The biological occurrence and trafficking of cobalt
2011; Oxford University Press; Volume: 3; Issue: 10 Linguagem: Inglês
10.1039/c1mt00056j
ISSN1756-591X
AutoresSachi Okamoto, Lindsay D. Eltis,
Tópico(s)Porphyrin Metabolism and Disorders
ResumoCobalt is an essential trace element in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Nevertheless, it occurs less frequently in metalloproteins than other transition metals. This low occurrence appears to be due to the metal's low abundance in nature as well as its competition with iron, whose biologically critical functions include respiration and photosynthesis. In this review, we discuss the biological role of cobalt, the major effects of cobalt on iron utilization, as well as several mechanisms that cells have developed to circumvent the toxicity of cobalt while still exploiting its chemistry.
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