Suite of LOs on Biomimetic Modeling

Submitted by Sheila Smith / University of Michigan- Dearborn on Mon, 08/04/2014 - 09:52

This suite of activities can be used as a unit exploring the use of small molecule models and biophysical techniques to illuminate complicated biomolecules.  The Parent LO:  Modeling the FeB center in bacterial Nitric Oxide reductase is a short, data-filled and well-written article that is approachable with an undergraduate's level of understanding.

Five Slides About Magnetic Susceptibility

Submitted by Sibrina Collins / College of Arts and Sciences at Lawrence Technological University on Tue, 07/29/2014 - 12:38
Description

This Five Slides About provides an overview of the concept of magnetic susceptibility for paramagnetic metal centers. Three methods are discussed, namely the Evans NMR Method, the magnetic balance and SQUID (Superconducting QUantum Interference Device). The availability of each method varies across institutions.

C&E News as a Starting Point for Bioinorganic Literature Discussions

Submitted by Chris Bailey / Wells College on Mon, 07/28/2014 - 15:37
Description

This learning object consists of a bibliography of materials concerning bioinorganic chemistry which have appeared in C&E News over approximately the past 15 years (1999-2014). Many come from the Science and Technology Concentrates, some from News of the Week, others are full articles, and a few are letters to the editor. They cover a wide variety of bioinorganic topics. Also included are citations for the articles from the primary literature paper referred to in the respective C&E News articles.

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.