Bioinorganic Chemistry
A.Y. 2020/2021
Learning objectives
Knowledge of the main enzymatic systems containing metals (iron, copper, zinc, cobalt, nickel) as essential co-factors for the enzymatic function, of the interaction between single metal and the biological coordination system, of the catalytic cycle of the main systems under study.
Expected learning outcomes
Students will understand metal-protein interactions and their function in the catalytic mechanism of the enzyme; they will also be able to apply suitable spectroscopic methods for the characterization of metals in biological systems.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
For the entire duration of the emergency phase, the course will be delivered in synchronous distance mode on the Teams platform. The course material will also be available in Powerpoint format with commentary on the University platforms
Course syllabus
Introduction to Bioinorganic Chemistry. Presence and function of the main transition metals in biological systems. Coordination of single metals to biological donors. Study of the main metal-protein families: systems containing iron, copper, zinc, cobalt, nickel. Iron-proteins: classification, systems containing iron-heme, iron-sulfur cluster, iron-oxygen. Copper proteins: classification and function of the Cu-T1, Cu T2, Cu T3, CuA, CuB, CuZ systems. Zinc proteins: classification and function. Cobalt protein. Proteins containing nickel. For each family of proteins, the structure and function of the main representative enzymes will be evaluated, with attention to the catalytic mechanism.
Prerequisites for admission
Knowledge of the electronic configuration of single metals and of the main molecules of biological interest (molecular oxygen and derivatives, molecular nitrogen and derivatives). Ways and geometry of metal coordination. Metal-binder interactions based on the Hard / Soft theory, charge transfers, electronic interactions. Knowledge of the main molecular spectroscopic techniques.
Teaching methods
Lectures. Attendance is strongly recommended.
Teaching Resources
Slides presented during lessons and uploaded on the Ariel and Moodle websites of the course, articles and reviews uploaded on the Ariel website. Texts of Bioinorganic Chemistry (present in the Department Library)
Assessment methods and Criteria
Oral: The oral examination will consist of at least one question for each family of metal-enzymes studied, aimed at evaluating the understanding of the methods of coordination of the metal and the activity it performs.
CHIM/03 - GENERAL AND INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - University credits: 6
Lessons: 48 hours
Professor:
Santagostini Laura
Professor(s)
Reception:
By appointment sending an e-mail
Dip. Chimica - Corpo A, Floor 0, Room R107