CHEM40050 Metals in Biology

Academic Year 2022/2023

This module "Metals in Biology" is designed to give the student an introductory overview of the relationships between metals and biological (bacteria, animals, plants) systems at the molecular level. The first half of the course examines the role and function of various transition metals in natural biological systems. For students in the medicinal program, an introduction to transition metals and redox chemistry is provided, whereas chemistry students are introduced to amino acids, proteins and other common biologically important molecules. An in-depth description of the metalloenzymes involved in gas transportation including myoglobin and haemoglobin, hemerythrin and the copper-based system - hemocyanin. The important roles of P450 and vitamin B12 are examined, in addition to the very important class of metalloenzymes - iron-sulfur clusters. Finally, various zinc-based enzymes including carboxypeptidases, carbonic anhydrase, and SOD are discussed. Students learn about the structure, mechanism and spectroscopic details of these metalloenzymes. The second part of the course provides "state-of-the-art" information about the latest developments in metal-based drugs in addition to providing relevant historical aspects of metal-based therapies. The student learns about the steps behind how a drug is developed from the bench and taken to the bedside. Emphasis will be made on Pt- and Ti-based anticancer drugs, As- and Fe-based antibiotics and continues on special topics regarding Ru, Au, Ag, Cu and Tc pharmaceuticals.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

For part A, students learn about important chemical and physical properties associated with transition metals that enable important catalytic activity associated with the various metalloenzymes, which include oxidation state, d-electron configuration, CFSE, geometry, HSAB and redox potentials. Students learn about key biological molecules and how they integrate with metalloenzymes and the general mechanism by which the metalloenzyme operates. Finally, key spectroscopic data that enabled chemists to identify key aspects of the mechanisms. For part B, students learn about the key metallodrugs that are used to treat a wide range of diseases which include their structure, synthesis and mechanism of operation.

Indicative Module Content:

Metalloenzymes, chemical and physical properties of transition metals.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

32

Tutorial

4

Autonomous Student Learning

72

Total

108

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Students are required to complete two-trimester tests with dates announced within the course. An example problem set is provided to assist students with the preparation for the final exam. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Recommendations:

This module is intended for students in the final year of an Honours Chemistry degree program or post graduate students in a Chemical discipline. Other students wishing to take this module must have a comparable background in chemistry and must consult the School.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Incompatibles:
CHEM40830 - Metals in Biology, taught MSc


 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Examination: End of semester examination 2 hour End of Trimester Exam No Graded No

80

Continuous Assessment: Two-trimester tests Varies over the Trimester n/a Graded No

20


Carry forward of passed components
No
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Trimester tests are graded with model solutions provided on Brightspace.

Rosette M. Roat-Malone, Bioinorganic Chemistry: A Short Course, 2020, Wiley.
Wolfgang, Kalm. Bioinorganic Chemistry -- Inorganic Elements in the Chemistry of Life: An Introduction and Guide, 2013, Wiley.
Ei-Ichiro Ochiai. Bioinorganic Chemistry: A Survey. 2010, Academic Press.
Dieter Rehder. Bioinorganic Chemistry, OUP Oxford, 2014.
Stephen J. Lippard. Principles Of Bioinorganic Chemistry. 1994, University Science Books.
James C. Dabrowiak. Metals in Medicine, 2017. Wiley.
Marcel Gielen and Edward R. T. Tiekink. Metallotherapeutic Drugs and Metal–Based Diagnostic Agents: The Use of Metals in Medicine, 2005. Wiley.
Name Role
Dr Joseph Byrne Lecturer / Co-Lecturer