Question

Write examples of coordination metal complexes in biology.

Hint:

Remember the central metal for each: \(Mg\) for green (plants), \(Fe\) for red (blood), and \(Co\) for \(B_{12}\).

Answer 1

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Coordination compounds play vital roles in living systems, where metal ions are coordinated to large organic ligands.
Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
1. Chlorophyll: A coordination complex of Magnesium (\(Mg^{2+}\)) essential for photosynthesis in plants.
2. Hemoglobin: A coordination complex of Iron (\(Fe^{2+}\)) responsible for oxygen transport in the blood of animals.
3. Vitamin \(B_{12}\) (Cyanocobalamin): A coordination complex of Cobalt (\(Co\)) involved in metabolism and red blood cell formation.
4. Cisplatin: A platinum complex used in cancer chemotherapy.
Step 4: Final Answer:
Common examples are Hemoglobin (Iron complex) and Chlorophyll (Magnesium complex).