Biological Inorganic Chemistry Flashcards
Why are inorganic elements in biological systems important
- Essential for the normal growth and health of an organism
- Toxic to organisms
- Pharamcologically Active
What are two core ways to classify metals in biology?
- Metalloproteins
- Communication roles/Interactions with DNA+RNA/Formation of tissues, skeletons, shells, teeth, etc
List 4 different types of metalloproteins seen in biology
A form of H¯ is produced from the metabolism of food
How does this release energy?
- The H¯ is converted into H⁺ and 2e¯
- The electron flow down an electron transport chain (contains metalloproteins) before reducing O₂ to H₂O
- The energy rleased is harnessed to make ATP from ADP
What happens as electrons flow down the electron transport chain?
- As electrons flow down the chain, protons are pumped out into the inter-membrane space
- The protons flow back (osmotic pressure) through ATP synthase that drives the formation of ATP
The side chains for some amino acids can act as ligands
How can Cysteine do this?
By bonding to 1 or 2 metal centres on the sulphur
The side chains for some amino acids can act as ligands
How can Histidine do this?
Bond to the metal centre using both nitrogens
The side chains for some amino acis can act as ligands
How can Aspartate do this?
Protein structure determines the….
Geometry of the Donor Groups to the metal
What is the primary structure?
The covalent bonds that are present determined by the amino acid sequence
What is the secondary structure?
The local conformation for a group of amino acids linked by hydrogen-bonds, there are two common motifs:
α-helix and β-pleated sheets
What is the tertairy structure of a protein?
The overall folding of a polypeptide
What is the Quaternary structure of a protein?
Proteins can be composed of several polypeptide chains/sub-units, which are linked together by hydrogen-bonds and other non-covalent interactions
