Zinc in its 2+ oxidation state is an essential metal ion for life.Zn2+ is found bound to many proteins that are involved inbiological processes, but unfortunately Zn2+ is hard to detectby common chemical methods. Therefore, scientists who areinterested in studying Zn2+-containing proteins frequentlysubstitute Cd2+ for Zn2+, since Cd2+ is easier to detect. (a) Onthe basis of the properties of the elements and ions discussedin this chapter and their positions in the periodic table, describethe pros and cons of using Cd2+ as a Zn2+ substitute.(b) Proteins that speed up (catalyze) chemical reactions arecalled enzymes. Many enzymes are required for proper metabolicreactions in the body. One problem with using Cd2+to replace Zn2+ in enzymes is that Cd2+ substitution can decreaseor even eliminate enzymatic activity. Can you suggest a different metal ion that might replace Zn2+ in enzymes insteadof Cd2+? Justify your answer.
Zinc in its 2+ oxidation state is an essential metal ion for life.
Zn2+ is found bound to many proteins that are involved in
biological processes, but unfortunately Zn2+ is hard to detect
by common chemical methods. Therefore, scientists who are
interested in studying Zn2+-containing proteins frequently
substitute Cd2+ for Zn2+, since Cd2+ is easier to detect. (a) On
the basis of the properties of the elements and ions discussed
in this chapter and their positions in the periodic table, describe
the pros and cons of using Cd2+ as a Zn2+ substitute.
(b) Proteins that speed up (catalyze)
called enzymes. Many enzymes are required for proper metabolic
reactions in the body. One problem with using Cd2+
to replace Zn2+ in enzymes is that Cd2+ substitution can decrease
or even eliminate enzymatic activity. Can you suggest a different metal ion that might replace Zn2+ in enzymes instead
of Cd2+? Justify your answer.
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