Unit- 11. Bio-inorganic Chemistry : 3 teaching hours

Chemistry – Class 11

Introduction to Bio-inorganic Chemistry ; Introduction of Micro and macro nutrients ; Importance of metal ions in biological systems (ions of Na, K, Mg, Ca, Fe, Cu, Zn, Ni, Co, Cr) ; Ion pumps (sodium-potassium and sodium-glucose pump) 11.5 Metal toxicity (toxicity due to iron, arsenic, mercury, lead and cadmium)

No MCQ questions available for this chapter.

Class 11 Chemistry Nepal: Bio-inorganic Chemistry Notes

Unit 11: Bio-inorganic Chemistry (3 Teaching Hours)

  1. Introduction to Bio-inorganic Chemistry

    • Definition
      • Bio-inorganic chemistry studies the role of inorganic elements, especially metal ions, in biological systems and their interactions with biomolecules.

  2. Introduction of Micro and Macro Nutrients

    • Micro Nutrients
      • Trace elements required in small amounts (e.g., Fe, Cu, Zn, Ni, Co, Cr) for enzyme function, metabolism, and cellular processes.
    • Macro Nutrients
      • Elements required in larger amounts (e.g., Na, K, Mg, Ca) for structural, osmotic, and signaling functions.
      • Figure 1: Micro and Macro Nutrients in Biology (Diagram showing roles of micro and macro nutrients in biological systems).

  3. Importance of Metal Ions in Biological Systems

    • Metal Ions and Their Roles
      • Sodium (Na⁺): Regulates osmotic balance, nerve impulse transmission.
      • Potassium (K⁺): Maintains membrane potential, muscle contraction.
      • Magnesium (Mg²⁺): Cofactor in enzymes (e.g., chlorophyll, ATP synthesis).
      • Calcium (Ca²⁺): Bone formation, muscle contraction, signal transduction.
      • Iron (Fe²⁺/Fe³⁺): Oxygen transport (hemoglobin), enzyme cofactor (cytochromes).
      • Copper (Cu²⁺): Enzyme cofactor (e.g., cytochrome c oxidase), electron transfer.
      • Zinc (Zn²⁺): Structural role in proteins, enzyme activity (e.g., carbonic anhydrase).
      • Nickel (Ni²⁺): Component of urease enzyme in plants and bacteria.
      • Cobalt (Co²⁺): Core of vitamin B12, essential for DNA synthesis.
      • Chromium (Cr³⁺): Enhances insulin action, glucose metabolism.
      • Figure 2: Role of Metal Ions (Diagram showing metal ions in biological processes like hemoglobin and enzymes).

  4. Ion Pumps

    • Sodium-Potassium Pump
      • Active transport mechanism using ATP to pump 3Na⁺ out and 2K⁺ into cells, maintaining membrane potential and osmotic balance.
    • Sodium-Glucose Pump
      • Secondary active transport; Na⁺ gradient drives glucose uptake into cells (e.g., in intestinal absorption).
      • Figure 3: Sodium-Potassium and Sodium-Glucose Pumps (Diagram showing ion transport mechanisms).

  5. Metal Toxicity

    • Toxicity Due to Iron, Arsenic, Mercury, Lead, and Cadmium
      • Iron (Fe): Excess causes hemochromatosis, damaging organs (liver, heart) due to free radical formation.
      • Arsenic (As): Disrupts enzyme function, causes cancer, skin lesions, and organ failure.
      • Mercury (Hg): Neurotoxin, damages brain, kidneys; bioaccumulates in food chains.
      • Lead (Pb): Inhibits enzyme activity, causes neurological damage, anemia, and developmental issues.
      • Cadmium (Cd): Kidney damage, bone weakening; carcinogenic due to enzyme interference.
      • Figure 4: Effects of Metal Toxicity (Diagram showing impact of toxic metals on human organs).
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