The study of the chemistry of living processes ? biochemistry ? has traditionally centered on the behavior of organic chemical compounds in water, the principle solvent in all cells. Organic compounds and water account for 99 % of the matter in living systems. Some 20 inorganic elements are also essential for life, and they are found in similar amounts in most living systems. Bioinorganic Chemistry is essentially the border between inorganic chemistry and biology. The overall purpose of bioinorganic research is to study the relationship between inorganic metal ions such as copper and iron, and biologically specific macromolecules, experimentally as well as theoretically. The importance of inorganic chemistry in biology, especially metal ion coordination, has gained considerable attention during the last decade. The discoveries of the roles of metal ions and metalloproteins in health and disease through genetic and biochemical studies have drawn the attention of both inorganic chemists and molecular and cell biologists.
Bioinorganic courses deal with the specific properties of metal ions as expressed in the functioning of biochemical systems, with the objective to deepen student insight into the chemical behaviour of metal ions in biological systems.
Ochiai is generally considered the father of the discipline. When first published in 1977, the very successful first edition provided a clear and concise introduction to the brand new field of bioinorganic chemistry.
