Table of Contents

The chemical and physical factors controlling the elements of life1: The chemical elements in biology
2: The principles of the uptake and chemical speciation of the elements in biology
3: Physical separations of elements: compartments and zones in biology
4: Kinetic considerations of chemical reactions, catalysis, and control
5: Energy in biological systems and hydrogen biochemistry
6: The role of biological macromolecules and polymers
7: The functional value of the chemical elements in biological systems
The roles of individual elements in biology8: Sodium, potassium, and chlorine: osmotic control, electrolytic equilibria, and currents
9: The biological chemistry of magnesium: phosphate metabolism
10: Calcium: controls and triggers
11: Zinc: Lewis acid catalysis and regulation
12: Non-haem iron: redox reactions and controls
13: Haen iron: coupled redox reactions
14: Manganese: dioxygen evolution and glycosylation
15: Copper: extracytoplasmic oxidases and matrix formation
16: Nickel and cobalt: remnants of early life
17: Molybdenum, tungsten, vanadium, and chromium
18: Phosphate, silica, and chloride: acid-base non-metals
19: Sulphur, selenium, and the halogens: redox non-metals
20: Integrated living systems of elements

Reviews

A general overview of biological inorganic chemistry as well as a fascinating novel view of the nature of living systems and their evolution ... The authors have created a text that nicely complements the usual chapters found in advanced inorganic and biochemistry text books ... The principles are presented with clear explanations in a relaxed, conversational writing style. The use of clear and detailed drawings, on nearly every page, enhances the text ... a valuable introductory guide to all aspects of the wild and wonderful world of bioinorganic chemistry. ChemBioChem