Biological importance of the first-row transition metal ions
see The Biochemical Periodic Table

Element Mass/ mg Biological Roles
Ti biological function not clear.
V 0.11 found in Amanita Muscaria (mushroom) and in Ascidians (sea squirts), Enzymes (nitrogenases, haloperoxidases), essential for humans��������
Cr 14 essential for higher animals involved in carbohydrate utilisation
Mn 12 Mn accumulates in mitochondria and is essential for their function. Some similarities to Mg2+. metalloenzymes included: arginase, glutamine synthetase, pyruvate carboxylase, SOD
Fe 4200 Extremely important eg haem, more on haemoglobin Electron transfer systems, ferredoxins, N2 fixation involves Fe, Mo, S proteins.��������
Co 3 Vitamin B12 coenzyme contains Co3+ in corrin.
Ni 15 Nickel containing enzymes include, urease and some hydrogenases
Cu 72 Some vertebrates use Cu-O2 carrier, haemocyanin. Cu containing enzymes include: tyrosinase, amine oxidase and cytochrome oxidase

Mass of the first row transition metal ions present in a 70 kg human and a summary of where they are found and their roles.

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