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Course Offerings

Course Details

Spring 2012-2013
CHM 544 / ENV 544  

Metals in Biology

Dorothea Fiedler
John T. Groves

Life processes depend on over 25 elements whose bioinorganic chemistry is relevant to the environment (biogeochemical cycles), agriculture, and health. CHM 544 surveys the bioinorganic chemistry of the elements. In-depth coverage of key transition metal ions including manganese, iron, copper, and molybdenum focuses on redox roles in anaerobic and aerobic systems and metalloenzymes that activate small molecules and ions, including hydrogen, nitrogen, nitrate, nitric oxide, oxygen, superoxide, and hydrogen peroxide. Appreciation of the structure and reactivity of metalloenzyme systems is critical to understanding life at the molecular level.

Sample reading list:
Stephen J. Lippard, Jeremy M. Berg, Principles of Bioinorganic Chemistry, University Books, Mill
J. J. R. Fraústo da Silva, R. J. P. Williams, Biological Chem. of Elements:The Inorg. Chem. of Life 2nd Ed
W. Kaim, B. Schwederski, Bioinorg. Chem.: Inorg. Elem'ts in the Chem. of Life 2nd Ed.
I. Bertini, H. Gray, S. Lippard, J, Valentine, Bioinorganic Chemistry (main background text for course)
R. J. P. Williams, J. J. R. Fraústo da Silva, The Natural Selection of the Chemical Elements

Other Requirements:
Not Open to Freshmen.

Prerequisites and Restrictions:
Prerequisites: CHM 301/302 or CHM 303/304.

Schedule/Classroom assignment:

Class numberSectionTimeDaysRoomEnrollmentStatus
40342 L01 9:00 am - 10:20 am T Th   Lewis Library   138   Enrolled:13 Limit:35
C01 3:00 pm - 3:50 pm W   James S. McDonnell Hall   107   Enrolled:0 Limit:20