Answered: What special properties of transition…

Biochemistry

9th Edition

ISBN:9781319114671

Author:Lubert Stryer, Jeremy M. Berg, John L. Tymoczko, Gregory J. Gatto Jr.

Publisher:Lubert Stryer, Jeremy M. Berg, John L. Tymoczko, Gregory J. Gatto Jr.

Chapter1: Biochemistry: An Evolving Science

Section: Chapter Questions

Problem 1P

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What special properties of transition metals make them especially useful in enzyme catalysis?

Expert Solution

Introduction

Transition metals are metals that are present between group 2 and group 13 in the periodic table. They contain their valence electron into different electronic shells. Some examples of transition metals are zinc, copper, iron, silver etc.

Explanation

The valence electrons of transition metals are present in both s-and d-electronic shells.
Electrons from both these shells can participate in chemical bond formation.
These metals, like other metals, are also capable of forming losing electrons and forming positive ions.
Some of the other properties that are similar to metals are high melting and boiling points, high densities, etc.

Transition metal in enzyme

The property that makes them uniquely useful in enzyme catalysis is their ability to have multiple oxidation states.
These are helpful in enzyme catalysis because transition metals present in a particular enzyme can exist in two different oxidation states used by the enzyme to perform redox biochemical reactions. e.g. interchange of Fe²⁺ and Fe³⁺

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