The Structure and Function of Transferrin

Submitted by Chris Bailey / Wells College on Tue, 07/22/2014 - 14:51
Description

These Five Slides About examine the structure and function of the iron binding and transport protein transferrin. Students learn that transferrin also acts as an iron buffer and as a potential antimicrobial agent. The structure of the protein is explored in detail; it consists of a single polypeptide (80kDa) folded into two lobes, each of which can bind a single iron in a high affinity region. Changes in the protein as a result of iron uptake is discussed. The iron binding region and the requirement of a bidentate synergistic anion (carbonate) are examined.

The "Zinc Spark" - Zinc as a signaling chemical in life

Submitted by Kyle Grice / DePaul University on Sat, 07/19/2014 - 11:11
Description

This web resource is a TEDx talk about zinc and zinc's role in the early stages of the maturation of the egg. This would be a great introduction video for a gen chem, inorganic, or bioinorganic chemistry course. It introduces the idea that Zinc is stored in specific locations on the egg and then released all at the same time.

Employing 2D NMR and NOE to assign protons in an organometallic complex

Submitted by Sherzod / Northwestern University on Thu, 07/17/2014 - 20:58
Description

The following paper will be given to the students to study at home along with the questions in the attached document. Students will be allowed to discuss their answers in small groups and refine their answers, before the corresct answer is revealed.

The students will not need to see the actual spectra that are in the SI to be able to address the given questions, the spectra can be projected to the class when the answers of the student groups are discussed

Origins of Enantioselectivity during Allylic Substitution Reactions Catalyzed by Metallacyclic Iridium Complexes.

A cuprous azide complex: The effect of structure on the stability of the azide ion

Submitted by Jim Jeitler / Marietta College on Thu, 07/17/2014 - 17:50
Description

This is a problem set based on the article "Energetic Cuprous Azide Complex: Synthesis, Crystal Structure and Effection on the Thermal Decomposition of HMX" in the Journal of Chemical Crystallography.  It has been used in a Chemistry Capstone course for both Chemistry and Biochemistry majors during the first semester senior year.  Biochemistry majors are not required to take Inorganic Chemistry and Chemistry majors may be currently taking Inorganic chemistry.

Introduction to Photoinduced Electron Transfer

Submitted by Robert Holbrook / Northwestern University on Thu, 07/17/2014 - 17:37
Description

This 5 slides about will introduce students to the concept of photoinduced electron transfer. These slides go over the energics of photoinduced electron transfer, which implements basic concepts of photochemistry and electrochemistry. The photoinduced electron transer properties of ris-(2,2'-bipyridine)-ruthenium(II) is used as an example. 

Modeling post-translational modification in cobalt nitrile hydratase with a metallopeptide from Anne Jones

Submitted by Kari Young / Centre College on Thu, 07/17/2014 - 16:23
Description

In this literature discussion, students read a paper about a cobalt metallopeptide that imitates the active site of the enzyme nitrile hydratase.  Specifically, the model complex is oxidized by air to produce a coordination sphere with both cysteine thiolate and sulfinic acid ligands, much like the post-translationally oxidized cysteine ligands in the biological system.

Utilizing the PDB and HSAB theory to understand metal specificity in trafficking proteins

Submitted by EGunn / Simmons College on Thu, 07/17/2014 - 15:19
Description

This is an in-class PDB exercise based on the paper "Mechanisms Controlling the Cellular Metal Economy" by Gilston and O'Halloran. Students are asked to visualize the metal binding sites of several proteins discussed in the paper, highlighting unusual metal geometries. After identifying the amino acid residues involved in metal binding, students will discuss the bond structure in terms of HSAB theory. 

Principles and imaging applications of CEST

Submitted by Justin / Northwestern University on Thu, 07/17/2014 - 15:19
Description

This five slides about chemical exchange transfer (CEST) discusses the magnetic properties of paramagnetic metal ions and their use as MR imaging agents. This includes tranditional contrast agents that affect the relaxation rate of nearby water protons and paramagnetic shift reagents suitable for CEST imaging applications. A recent redox-active cobalt complex is presented as an innovative agent for mapping redox imbalances in vivo.

Literature Discussion of "Mechanisms Controlling the Cellular Metal Economy"

Submitted by Kyle Grice / DePaul University on Thu, 07/17/2014 - 15:07
Description

This is a literature discussion of a review by Tom O'Halloran (The link to the paper is included in the "Web Resources" below). The review covers concepts of metal content in cells, metal trasport, storage, and regulation. Its a good review to start a broader or deeper discussion about metals in biology. We have provided some questions to help guide the student discussion. These questions can be given to students prior to coming to class, and the answers can either be used for the in-class discussion and/or collected. 

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