National Institute of Science Education and Research

Mid-Semester Examination-2022
Course: C-556 (Bio-Inorganic Chemistry)
Time- 2hrs. Full Marks – 50 02.03.2022

Q1. Draw the structure of the metal–containing active site of Superoxide dismutase. Discuss the role
of Superoxide dismutase as a catalyst for the dismutation of superoxide.
[6]
Q2. Carboxypeptidase A, a zinc-containing enzyme, hydrolyzes the C-
terminal peptide bonds of polypeptides and/or proteins. Write out the plausible mechanism.
[6]
Q3. (a) Indicate the number of electrons in the copper ions within both deoxy and oxyhemocyanin.
(b) Why do you think oxyhemocyanin is diamagnetic.
(c) How would you distinguish spectroscopically between the superoxide ion and the peroxide
ion?
[6]

Q4. Draw the structure of the metal–containing active site of cytochrome P–450. Discuss the role of
Cytochrome P450 as a catalyst for oxygen atom formation and transfer reactions.
[6]

Q5. (a) Show with a picturesque presentation the role of distal imidazole heterocycle for trapping of
O2 by Hb.
[4]
(b) Ferrochelatase is an enzyme that inserts iron into protoporphrrin IX; the iron complex is then
taken up by hemoglobin. Some people are deficient in this enzyme and have some iron-free
protoporphyrin IX. Such individuals develop dark lesions on their skin when they are in the sun.
Explain the underlying cause of this disease. Do you expect this disease to be congenital?
[4]
Q6. Fill in the blanks (write the name of the appropriate metals):
Ferritin
Hemocyanin
Plastocyanin
Protocatechuate 3,4-deoxygenase
Enterobactin
Carboxypeptidase A
[6]
Q7. Write short notes on the following:
(a) Cytochrome c oxidase
(b) The oxygen binding curves for myoglobin and hemoglobin
[2×6=12]

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