A Tale of Two Structures

Submitted by Chip Nataro / Lafayette College on Tue, 08/12/2014 - 10:32
Description

In this activity, students will compare and contrast two closely related structures, [Pd(dcpf)PR3]2+ (dcpf = 1,1'-bis(dicyclohexylphosphino)ferrocene; R = Me or Ph). They will be required to obtain the cif files from the supporting information of a paper. They will then make a variety of measurments in the two stuctures. These measurements can be made using a variety of different freely available programs. Instructions are provided for Mercury 3.3 and Olex2. Finally, students will be required to provide a rationale for the differences in the two structures.

The Chemistry of Cooley's Anemia: A Case Study

Submitted by Chris Bailey / Wells College on Wed, 08/06/2014 - 11:36
Description

In this case study, information is presented to students in the form of a dialog between a physician and two parents who have just learned that their child has thalassemia (Cooley’s Anemia). The treatment for this disorder requires a lifetime commitment to whole blood transfusion and chelation therapy (both administered on a daily to weekly basis); the biggest obstacle to long term survival is patient non-compliance.

Nitrogen Fixation: A Structural Inorganic Mystery?

Submitted by Jodi O'Donnell / Siena College on Mon, 08/04/2014 - 16:17
Description

 

These slides describe the recent literature on the structure of the iron sulfur cluster of nitrogenase active site, FeMo-co.  Included are: a comparison of industrial vs. biological ammonia production, several crystal structures from the literature including the unknown until recently hypervalent carbon atom in the center, and a brief mention of the troubling sterics of the active site as crystallized.

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.

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.

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.