Synthetic analogues relevant to the structure and function of zinc enzymes

An overview of the structures, functions and mechanisms of action of zinc enzymes was presented. The interaction between Zn II or Cd II and nucleoside monophosphates was determined by using calorimetric techniques. The variation in nitrate ligand coordination mode was examined for a series of complexes that employ tridentate nitrogen coordination to mimic the three histidine groups that bind zinc in carbonic anhydrase. The carbonic anhydrase catalytic cycle involves displacement of the bicarbonate ligand by water.