10587 - Bioinorganic Chemistry

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student is able to recognize the chemical principles underlying the biological chemistry of the elements, identify the processes of uptake, transport and regulation concerning metals and the way they can be exploited for applications. In addition, he will recognize the biological function of a metal and relate it to the structural properties of the macromolecule where it is inserted.

Course contents

Prerequisites: General and inorganic chemistry (chemical properties of elements, concept of acids and bases), basic concepts on the structure of biological macromolecules

Course program

MODULE 1 (2 credits; Prof.ssa Fermani)

- Classification of elements in the biological context and the concept of bioavailability

- Iron biochemistry: mechanisms of uptake, transport (transferrin) and storage (ferritin and haemosiderin); functions of iron in the biological sphere; iron-dioxygen complexes; myoglobin and haemoglobin; emeritrin; cytochromes; iron-sulphur proteins (rubredoxins, ferredoxins and HiPIP)

- Zinc biochemistry: uptake, transport and storage (metallothioneins); functions of zinc in the biological sphere; zinc-binding metalloenzymes: carbonic anhydrase, carboxypeptidase; alcohol dehydrogenase; “zinc finger” proteins.

- Copper biochemistry: uptake and transport of copper (chaperones); functions of copper in biology; copper binding sites; classification of copper proteins; haemocyanin.

- Biological role of group I and II ions: transport of essential ions such as sodium and potassium across the cell membrane; sodium-potassium pump (Na+/K+ ATPase)

MODULE 2 (2 credits; Prof.ssa Panzavolta)

-Control and utilisation of metal ion concentrations in cells. Beneficial and toxic effects of metal ions. Bioavailability of calcium and essential metals in food.

- Absorption of metal ions in cells: composition and structure of the cell membrane, ion pumps and ion channels.

-Regulation of a beneficial metal: calcium. Absorption, bioavailability in food and mechanisms controlling calcium homeostasis in the body. Role of calcium in Bioinorganic Chemistry: calcium distribution in biological tissues and organelles. Main biological functions of the calcium ion.
Role of calcium as an activator of cellular processes, with emphasis on, in muscle contraction and in biomineralisation processes. Action potentials and voltage-gated calcium channels. Bone tissue formation: characteristics, organisation, control, pathologies.

- Other examples of biomineralisation: magnetotactic bacteria

- Application of metals in medicine: inorganic compounds and metal nanoparticles with antibacterial properties.

Readings/Bibliography

Lecture slides and teaching materials are available in the Virtual Platform. Additional material such as scientific articles and reviews useful for exam preparation are available in the Virtual Platform.

Suggested books for further study:

1) Principles of Bioinorganic Chemistry, S.J. Lippard, J. M. Berg
University Science Book (1994).
2) Bioinorganic Chemistry, Bertini, Gray, Lippard, Valentine
University Science Book (1994).
3) Inorganic Biochemistry- An introduction, J.A. Cowan
Wiley-VCH (1997

Teaching methods

Lectures are face-to-face with slide shows.

Assessment methods

The assessment of learning takes place through an oral examination on the course topics (both modules). The examination is designed to test the skills and abilities acquired during the course, including the ability to thoroughly read and comprehensively present a scientific article relevant to the course topics. The grade is the result of the evaluation of the presentation and questions on the topics covered in the two modules.

The time required for the oral examination is approximately 40 minutes.

Not sufficient evaluation: deficient knowledge of the course topics, errors in basic chemical concepts, inappropriate language.

Sufficient evaluation: minimal knowledge of the topics covered in the course, poor argumentation skills, some even serious errors and barely appropriate language.

Good evaluation: good knowledge of the topics covered in the course and good argumentative and expository skills with correct language. Some errors and/or imperfections not serious.

Excellent evaluation: very good mastery, ability to elaborate and expound on the topics of the course. Use of highly appropriate language.

Students with learning disorders and\or temporary or permanent disabilities: please, contact the office responsible (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students ) as soon as possible so that they can propose acceptable adjustments. The request for adaptation must be submitted in advance (15 days before the exam date) to the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of the adjustments, taking into account the teaching objectives.

Teaching tools

Videoprojector and PC. Power point presentations used during the lessons and any research material are provided to the students in electronic format.

Office hours

See the website of Simona Fermani

See the website of Silvia Panzavolta