Inorganic biochemistry of iron metabolism - Robert R Crichton

The importance of metals in biology has gained increasing recognition over the last 20 to 30 years. This book concentrates on one of these metals - iron - reflecting the state-of-the-art and emphasizing the need for well-defined amounts of iron for the survival, replication and differentiation of the cells of animals, plants and almost all microorganisms.;Approaching the subject from a molecular viewpoint, Bob Crichton provides a coherent account of iron metabolism, describing the role of proteins in the uptake and utilization of iron, looking at the tendency of iron to hydrolyze and polymerize (forming insoluble oxyhydroxides and hydroxides), and discussing methods of defence against the capacity of "free" iron to catalyse potentially dangerous hydroxyl radical formation. Transport and intracellular metabolism of iron in prokaryotic and cukaryotic cells are described, and the relationship between the needs of cells for iron and the rate of division is discussed.;The essential requirements of cells for trace elements, incluidng iron, is forcibly underlined, and includes a comprehensive analysis of the pathophysiology of disorders of iron metabolism in man. A discussion of the relationship between iron and free radical production is also included. Containing a comprehensive reference section, the book should be welcomed by all those writing and researching in this area.