Metal Ions in Biochemistry presents a simplified account of the role of metal ions in the biochemical processes and the significance of inorganic elements in human diet and in therapeutics. The adverse effect of the intake of excess metal ions and the role of metal ions in environmental pollution has been explained. The book discusses how the basic concepts of coordination chemistry can explain the complex biochemical reactions. The potential metal binding sites of the biochemicals have been identified. An attempt has been made to understand the nature of the metal biochemical bond from the point of coordination chemistry. The structure of the metal coordination site has been confirmed with the help of various instrumental techniques. Thus the structure of metal complex site in the biochemicals has been revealed and its functional relationship with biochemical process has been discussed extensively. The fundamental background knowledge required by both chemists and biochemists has been provided in the first two chapters of the book, so that the reader can appreciate the significant role of the metal ions in the biochemical processes.

Preface / Structure of Cells and Introduction to Bioinorganic Chemistry / Thermodynamic and Kinetic Properties of Metal Complexes / Alkali and Alkaline Earth Metal Ions in Biochemical Systems / Zinc in Biochemical Systems / Iron in Biochemical Systems / Copper in Biochemical Systems / Cobalt in Vitamin B12 in Biochemical Systems / Molybdenum in Nitrogen Fixation in Plants / Magnesium and Manganese in Photosynthesis in Plants / Less Common Trace Metal Ions in Biochemical Systems / Metal Ion Toxicity in Biochemical Systems / Metal Complexes in Therapeutics / Suggested Reading / Index.

Postgraduate Students and Researchers in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biotechnology and Medicine