KE810: Bioinorganic Chemistry (5 ECTS)

STADS: 10003601

Level
Master's level course

Teaching period
The course is offered in the autumn semester.
1st quarter.

Teacher responsible
Email: chk@ifk.sdu.dk

Timetable
Show entire timetable
Show personal time table for this course.

Prerequisites:
None

Academic preconditions:
KE525 Inorganic chemistry A (or former KE512 Inorganic Chemistry part) and KE505 Organic Chemistry are presupposed known.

Course introduction
The next level of sophistication after the recent explosive progress in genomics and proteomics includes the study of all the elements on which Life depends, as well as those which are introduced, deliberately or otherwise, from our environment (food, therapy, diagnostics and toxins). Many diseases are caused by an elemental imbalance caused by genetic defects associated with metal binding proteins. The aim of the course is to gain an understanding of the roles of all the elements essential for life with particular focus on the d-block elements, which are found only in trace amounts. This includes learning about the structures and functions of biomolecules (e.g. metalloenzymes), biomaterials (e.g bone) and metal compounds which interact with biological systems (e.g. drugs).

Expected learning outcome
After completion of the course the student will be able to:

• Realise that “inorganic chemistry” is essential for Life!
  
• Describe the common metal co-factor types, their usual reactivities and biological roles
  
• Relate biological coordination chemistry to that of simpler synthetic analogues and explain knowledge sought, and gained, from the study of specific model compounds
  
• Discuss potential of application of metalloenzymes and models to new (bio)technologies
  
• Assess the usefulness of specific spectroscopic and other techniques the characterization of particular d-block metal-containing biomolecules and “model compounds”
  

• Be aware of disease associated with metal ion deficiencies and excess and the malfunctions in expression of metalloenzymes
• Gain knowledge of old and new metal-based therapeutics and diagnostics
• Use databases like the protein data bank and visualize X-ray crystal and NMR structures by use of free software.
• Critically evaluate literature in the field

Subject overview

• Metal ion co-factors involved in the biosyntheses of biomolecules like amino acids, proteins, nucleotides, hormones and vitamins and the activation and assimilation of abundant but unreactive small molecules (O2, N2, H2, CO, CN-, CH4, H2, NH3, NO3-, NO)
  
• O2-binding and transport (Fe, Cu)
  
• Light absorption, O2-evolution and charge transfer in photosynthesis (Mn, Mg, Cu, Fe, Ca)
  
• O2-reduction in respiration (Fe, Cu, Zn)
  
• Biological N2, H2, CO2, CH4 fixation (Fe, Mo, Ni)
  
• Electron transfer (Cu, Fe/S)
  
• Oxidation/reduction reactions (Fe, Cu, Mo, Zn, Mn, Ni)
  
• Methyl, acyl transfer (Co, Ni, Cu)
  
• Hydrolysis reactions (Fe, Mg, Zn, Ni)
  
• Radical generation (Co, Fe)
  
• The use of model compounds for metal containing biomolecules
  
• Biomineralisation (Ca, Fe, phosphate)
  
• Element cycling in the biosphere (e.g. for C, N, O)
  
• Gene regulation (Zn fingers, Fe/S clusters)
  
• Ion channels
  
• Dealing with reactive oxygen species (hydroxyl radicals, peroxides, superoxides)
  
• "Heavy" metal toxicity.
  
• Disease caused by metal / metal-dependent biomolecule imbalances
  
• Metal compounds in drugs (Pt, Li, Au) and medical diagnostics (Tc, Mn, Gd)
  
• Public access databases and visualization freeware
  
• Experimental techniques used in the study of biological "inorganic" compounds will be introduced (e.g. NMR, ESR, Mössbauer, Raman, IR, UV-Visible spectroscopies, X-ray crystallography, EXAFS, XANES, magnetic susceptibility, electrochemistry, etc.)

Literature

• Ivano Bertini, Harry B. Gray, Edward I. Stiefel, Joan Selverstone : Biological Inorganic Chemistry, Valentine (Eds)

Syllabus
See syllabus.

Website
This course uses e-learn (blackboard).

Prerequisites for participating in the exam
None

Assessment and marking:
(a) Written report graded according to the 7-scale. External censorship. The grade weighs 50% of the total course grade.
(b) Oral exam graded according to the 7-scale. External censorship. The grade weighs 50% of the total course grade.

Re-examination after 2nd quarter.

Expected working hours
The teaching method is based on three phase model.

Forelæsninger, antal timer 20.
Eksaminatorietimer/opgaveregning, antal timer 14.
Laboratorieøvelser, antal timer 8.
Educational activities

Language
This course is taught in English, if international students participate. Otherwise the course is taught in Danish.

Remarks
Students will make a 15 minute presentation of their project to the class

Course enrollment
See deadline of enrolment.

Tuition fees for single courses
See fees for single courses.