Bioinorganic Chemistry: Inorganic Elements in the Chemistry of Life

Inorganic Chemistry This series of textbooks reflects the breadth of modern research in inorganic chemistry and fulfils the need for advanced texts. The series will cover the whole range of inorganic and physical chemistry, solid state chemistry, coordination chemistry, organometallic chemistry, main group chemistry and bioinorganic chemistry. Bioinorganic Chemistry: Inorganic Elements in the Chemistry of Life - An Introduction and Guide Wolfgang Kaim and Brigitte Schwederski University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany Bioinorganic Chemistry provides a clear and concise introduction to the rapidly growing field of bioinorganic chemistry. The first part of the book deals with the function and occurrence of the elements in living organisms, while the later chapters address biominerals, inorganic electrolytes and the application of inorganic compounds in chemotherapy and radiodiagnostics. Bioinorganic Chemistry presents: A concise and comprehensive review of recent advances in the field of bioinorganic chemistry A systematic, element by element, approach to the topic An ideal gateway to the higher literature A discussion of the many and varied applications for bioinorganic chemistry Bioinorganic Chemistry: Inorganic Elements in the Chemistry of Life will be essential reading for students and lecturers studying bioinorganic chemistry in inorganic and natural-products chemistry and in biochemistry. The cover shows a basic representation of the catalytic cycle for the conversion of hydrocarbons, R-H, to corresponding alcohols, R-OH, by molecular oxygen, O_2. Heme-containing monooxygenase enzymes of the cytochrome P-450 family catalyze this type of reaction which is essential, for example, for detoxification in the liver, for steroid metabolism, or for the conversion of color pigments in flower petals (for details see Chapter 6.2).