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

Element Mass/ mg Biological Roles
Ti   biological function not clear.
V 0.11 found in Amanita Muscaria (mushroom) and in Ascidians (sea squirts), Enzymes (nitrogenases, haloperoxidases), essential for humans        
Cr 14 essential for higher animals involved in carbohydrate utilisation
Mn 12 Mn accumulates in mitochondria and is essential for their function. Some similarities to Mg2+. metalloenzymes included: arginase, glutamine synthetase, pyruvate carboxylase, SOD
Fe 4200 Extremely important eg haem, more on haemoglobin Electron transfer systems, ferredoxins, N2 fixation involves Fe, Mo, S proteins.        
Co 3 Vitamin B12 coenzyme contains Co3+ in corrin.
Ni 15 Nickel containing enzymes include, urease and some hydrogenases
Cu 72 Some vertebrates use Cu-O2 carrier, haemocyanin. Cu containing enzymes include: tyrosinase, amine oxidase and cytochrome oxidase

Mass of the first row transition metal ions present in a 70 kg human and a summary of where they are found and their roles.

return to the CHEM2101 (C21J) course outline

Dr Bird logoReturn to Chemistry, UWI-Mona, Home Page

Copyright © 2000-2010 by Robert John Lancashire, all rights reserved.

Created and maintained by Prof. Robert J. Lancashire,
The Department of Chemistry, University of the West Indies,
Mona Campus, Kingston 7, Jamaica.
Created July 2000. Links checked and/or last modified 19th October 2010.
URL http://wwwchem.uwimona.edu.jm/courses/TMbiol.html