The Role of Complexes of Biogenic Metals in Living Organisms

Abstract

Biogenic metals and their various inorganic, organometallic, and coordination compounds are comprehensively studied and extensively used in medical practice. Since the biogenic metals have various chemical properties corresponding to their position in the periodic table, their biological functions are different. Almost all of the discussed biogenic elements have an ability to form coordination complexes. Furthermore, the different accessible oxidation states occupied by most of these elements enables the body to catalyze oxy-reduction interactions, depending on the biological conditions. As they are biogenic in nature, their deficiency or their excess in the body leads to numerous pathological obstructions. The application of metal-based compounds as medications is connected with the oxy-reduction properties and the capability to form coordination complexes, which are involved in many bioreactions. The usefulness of these metals as therapeutic and diagnostic agents is also pointed out.