SYLLABUS

 UNIT I
Bioinorganic Chemistry
Essential and trace elements: Role of Na+, K+, Mg2+, Ca2+, Fe3+, Cu2+ and
Zn2+ in biological systems. Effect of excess intake (Toxicity) of Metal ions
– trace elements – As, Cd, Pb, Hg.

UNIT II
Metal ion transport and storage
Iron – storage, transport – Transferrin and Ferretin; Iron-porphyrins –
myoglobin, haemoglobin – oxygen transport –
Bohr effect; Sodium/potassium pump, calcium pump; transport
and storage – copper and zinc.

UNIT III
Metallo enzymes
Isomerase and synthetases, structure of cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12),
nature of Co-C bond; Metalloenzymes – functions of carboxy peptidase A,
zinc metalloenzyme – mechanism and uses, Zn-Cu enzyme – structure and
function, carbonic anhydrase, Vitamin B-12 as transferase and isomerase –
Iron-sulphur proteins – 2Fe-2S – rubredoxin, 4Fe-2S – ferridoxin, Iron
sulphur cluster enzymes.
Invivo and Invitro nitrogen fixation – biological functions of nitrogenase and
molybdo enzymes.

UNIT IV
Silicates
Introduction – general properties of silicates, structure – types of silicates –
ortho silicates(zircon), pyrosilicates (thortveitite),
chain silicates(pyroxenes), ring silicates(beryl), sheet silicates(talc,
mica, asbestos), silicates having three dimensional structure (feldspars,
zeolites, ultramarines)
UNIT V
Industrial Applications of Inorganic Compounds
Refractories, pyrochemical, explosives. Alloys, Paints and pigments –
requirements of a good paint; classification, constituents of paints –
pigments, vehicles, thinners, driers, extenders, anti-knocking agents,
antiskinning agents, plasticizers, binders-application; varnishes- oils, spirit;
enamels.
Nanocomposite Hydrogels: synthesis, characterization and uses.
Industrial visits and internship mandatory.