Unit 11: Bio-inorganic Chemistry (3 Teaching Hours)
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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.
- Definition
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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).
- Micro Nutrients
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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).
- Metal Ions and Their Roles
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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).
- Sodium-Potassium Pump
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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).
- Toxicity Due to Iron, Arsenic, Mercury, Lead, and Cadmium