Biological importance of the first-row transition metal ions
see The Biochemical Periodic Table

Element Biological Importance
Ti biological function not clear.
V found in Amanita Muscaria (mushroom)
and in Ascidians (sea squirts), function not known
essential for humans
Cr essential for higher animals
involved in carbohydrate utilisation
Mn Mn accumulates in mitochondria and is essential for their function.
Some similarities to Mg2+.
metalloenzymes included: arginase, glutamine synthetase, pyruvate carboxylase, SOD
Fe Extremely important eg haem, more on haemoglobin ferredoxins
N2 fixation involves Fe, Mo, S proteins.
Co Vitamin B12 contains Co3+ in corrin.
Ni Nickel containing enzymes include, urease and some hydrogenases
Cu Some vertebrates use Cu-O2 carrier, haemocyanin.
Cu containing enzymes incl.
tyrosinase, amine oxidase and cytochrome oxidase
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