Biometal (biology): Difference between revisions
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'''Biometals''' are [[metal]]s normally present, in small but important and measurable amounts, in [[biology]], [[biochemistry]], and [[medicine]]. The metals [[copper]], [[zinc]], [[iron]], and [[manganese]] are examples of metals that are essential for the normal functioning of most [[plant]]s and the bodies of most [[animal]]s, such as the [[human body]]. A few ([[calcium]], [[potassium]], [[sodium]]) are present in relatively larger amounts, whereas most others are [[trace metal]]s, present in smaller but important amounts (the image shows the percentages for humans). Approximately 2/3 of the existing periodic table is composed of metals with varying properties,<ref>http://rna.cshl.edu/content/free/chapters/12_rna_world_2nd.pdf</ref> accounting for the diverse ways in which metals (usually in [[ion]]ic form) have been utilized in nature and medicine. |
'''Biometals''' are [[metal]]s normally present, in small but important and measurable amounts, in [[biology]], [[biochemistry]], and [[medicine]]. The metals [[copper]], [[zinc]], [[iron]], and [[manganese]] are examples of metals that are essential for the normal functioning of most [[plant]]s and the bodies of most [[animal]]s, such as the [[human body]]. A few ([[calcium]], [[potassium]], [[sodium]]) are present in relatively larger amounts, whereas most others are [[trace metal]]s, present in smaller but important amounts (the image shows the percentages for humans). Approximately 2/3 of the existing periodic table is composed of metals with varying properties,<ref>http://rna.cshl.edu/content/free/chapters/12_rna_world_2nd.pdf</ref> accounting for the diverse ways in which metals (usually in [[ion]]ic form) have been utilized in nature and medicine. |
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== History of Biometals in Science == |
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At first, the study of biometals was referred to as [[bioinorganic chemistry]]. Each branch of bioinorganic chemistry studied separate fields of the subject leading a reductionist approach which was revised which was revised into a holistic approach of biometals in [[Metallome|metallomics]].<ref name=":0">{{Citation|last=Maret|first=Wolfgang|title=Metallomics: The Science of Biometals and Biometalloids|date=2018|url=https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-90143-5_1|work=Metallomics: The Science of Biometals|pages=1–20|editor-last=Arruda|editor-first=Marco Aurélio Zezzi|series=Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology|place=Cham|publisher=Springer International Publishing|language=en|doi=10.1007/978-3-319-90143-5_1|isbn=978-3-319-90143-5|access-date=2022-02-11}}</ref> |
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Metal ions in [[biology]] were studied in various specializations. In [[nutrition]], it was to define the essentials for life; in [[toxicology]], to define how the adverse effects of certain metal ions in biological systems and in [[pharmacology]] for their therapeutic effects.<ref name=":0" /> In each field, at first, they were studied and separated on a basis of concentration. In low amounts, metal ions in a biological system could perform at their optimal functionality whereas in higher concentrations, metal ions can prove fatal to biological systems. However, the concentration gradients were proved to be arbitrary as low concentrations of non-essential metals (like [[lithium]] or [[helium]]) in essential metals (like sodium or [[potassium]]) can cause an adverse effect in biological systems and vice versa.<ref name=":0" /> |
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Investigations into biometals and their effects date back to the 19th century and even further back to the 18th century with the identification of iron in blood.<ref name=":0" /> [[Zinc]] was identified to be essential in fungal growth of [[yeast]] as shown by [[Jules Raulin]] in 1869 yet no proof for the need of zinc in human cells was shown until the late 1930's where its presence was demonstrated in [[carbonic anhydrase]] and the 1960's where it was identified as a necessary element for humans.<ref name=":0" /> Since then, zinc in human biology has advanced to the point that it is as important as iron. Modern advancements in analytical technology have made it clear the importance of biometals in [[signalling pathways]] and the initial thoughts on the [[chemical basis of life]].<ref name=":0" /> |
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==Naturally occurring biometals== |
==Naturally occurring biometals== |
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Revision as of 02:22, 11 February 2022
Biometals are metals normally present, in small but important and measurable amounts, in biology, biochemistry, and medicine. The metals copper, zinc, iron, and manganese are examples of metals that are essential for the normal functioning of most plants and the bodies of most animals, such as the human body. A few (calcium, potassium, sodium) are present in relatively larger amounts, whereas most others are trace metals, present in smaller but important amounts (the image shows the percentages for humans). Approximately 2/3 of the existing periodic table is composed of metals with varying properties,[1] accounting for the diverse ways in which metals (usually in ionic form) have been utilized in nature and medicine.
History of Biometals in Science
At first, the study of biometals was referred to as bioinorganic chemistry. Each branch of bioinorganic chemistry studied separate fields of the subject leading a reductionist approach which was revised which was revised into a holistic approach of biometals in metallomics.[2]
Metal ions in biology were studied in various specializations. In nutrition, it was to define the essentials for life; in toxicology, to define how the adverse effects of certain metal ions in biological systems and in pharmacology for their therapeutic effects.[2] In each field, at first, they were studied and separated on a basis of concentration. In low amounts, metal ions in a biological system could perform at their optimal functionality whereas in higher concentrations, metal ions can prove fatal to biological systems. However, the concentration gradients were proved to be arbitrary as low concentrations of non-essential metals (like lithium or helium) in essential metals (like sodium or potassium) can cause an adverse effect in biological systems and vice versa.[2]
Investigations into biometals and their effects date back to the 19th century and even further back to the 18th century with the identification of iron in blood.[2] Zinc was identified to be essential in fungal growth of yeast as shown by Jules Raulin in 1869 yet no proof for the need of zinc in human cells was shown until the late 1930's where its presence was demonstrated in carbonic anhydrase and the 1960's where it was identified as a necessary element for humans.[2] Since then, zinc in human biology has advanced to the point that it is as important as iron. Modern advancements in analytical technology have made it clear the importance of biometals in signalling pathways and the initial thoughts on the chemical basis of life.[2]
Naturally occurring biometals
Metal ions are essential to the function of many proteins present in living organisms, such as metalloproteins and enzymes that require metal ions as cofactors.[3] Processes including oxygen transport and DNA replication are carried out using enzymes such as DNA polymerase, which in humans requires magnesium and zinc to function properly.[4] Other biomolecules also contain metal ions in their structure, such as iodine in human thyroid hormones.[5]
Biometals in medicine
Metal ions and metallic compounds are often used in medical treatments and diagnoses.[6] Compounds containing metal ions can be used as medicine, such as lithium compounds and auranofin.[7][8] Metal compounds and ions can also produce harmful effects on the body due to the toxicity of several types of metals.[9] For example, arsenic works as a potent poison due to its effects as an enzyme inhibitor, disrupting ATP production.[10]
References
- ^ http://rna.cshl.edu/content/free/chapters/12_rna_world_2nd.pdf
- ^ a b c d e f Maret, Wolfgang (2018), Arruda, Marco Aurélio Zezzi (ed.), "Metallomics: The Science of Biometals and Biometalloids", Metallomics: The Science of Biometals, Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, Cham: Springer International Publishing, pp. 1–20, doi:10.1007/978-3-319-90143-5_1, ISBN 978-3-319-90143-5, retrieved 2022-02-11
- ^ Banci, Lucia, ed. (2013). Metallomics and the Cell. Series editors Sigel, Astrid; Sigel, Helmut; Sigel, Roland K.O. Springer. ISBN 978-94-007-5560-4. electronic-book ISBN 978-94-007-5561-1 ISSN 1559-0836 electronic-ISSN 1868-0402
- ^ Aggett, PJ (1985). "Physiology and metabolism of essential trace elements: an outline". Clin Endocrinol Metab. 14 (3): 513–43. doi:10.1016/S0300-595X(85)80005-0. PMID 3905079.
- ^ Cavalieri, RR (1997). "Iodine metabolism and thyroid physiology: current concepts". Thyroid. 7 (2): 177–81. doi:10.1089/thy.1997.7.177. PMID 9133680.
- ^ http://authors.library.caltech.edu/25052/10/BioinCh_chapter9.pdf Stephen J. Lippard, Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Accessed 26 July 2014.
- ^ https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a681039.html U.S. National Library of Medicine, Lithium. Drug information provided by AHFS Consumer Medication Information, 2014.
- ^ Kean, W. F.; Hart, L.; Buchanan, W. W. (1997). "Auranofin". British Journal of Rheumatology. 36 (5): 560–572. doi:10.1093/rheumatology/36.5.560. PMID 9189058.
- ^ http://authors.library.caltech.edu/25052/10/BioinCh_chapter9.pdf Stephen J. Lippard, Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Accessed 26 July 2014.
- ^ Singh, AP; Goel, RK; Kaur, T (2011). "Mechanisms pertaining to arsenic toxicity". Toxicology International. 18 (2): 87–93. doi:10.4103/0971-6580.84258. PMC 3183630. PMID 21976811.
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