The biological chemistry of the elements: the inorganic chemistry of life

Abstract

Part 1 The chemical and physical factors controlling the elements of life: the chemical elements in biology the principles of the chemical uptake and speciation of the elements in biology physical separation of the elements - compartments and zones in biology kinetic considerations of element reactions energy in biological systems and hydrogen biochemistry the functional value of the chemical elements in biological systems. Part 2 The roles of individual elements in biology: the role of biological macromolecules and polymers sodium and potassium - osmotic control, electrolyte equilibria and currents magnesium - primary metabolism and polynucleotide structures calcium - controls and triggers zinc - Lewis acid catalysis and regulation non-haem iron redox reactions and controls haem iron - coupled redox reactions manganese copper - extracellular redox reactions and matrix formation nickel and cobalt - primitive hydrogen and organmetallic biochemistry molybdenum and vanadium - nitrogen fixation and extracellular oxygen transfer phosphorus and silicon - condensation reactions of non-metals redox non-metals - sulphur, selenium and halogens. Part 3 The co-operative interaction of elements in living systems: biomineralization and shape homeostasis and morphogenesis man's interference in element distribution - medicines and pollutants.