Marine Bioinorganic Chemistry

Question 1

How does metal concentration vary with ocean depth?

Answer 1

Surface concentrations are often lower than in deeper waters.
(Exceptions: Mn, Co).

Question 2

What are the fundamental differences between the marine and terrestrial biosphere?

Answer 2

• Iron tends to be scarce in the ocean

* In the sea, Mo, V, Ni, Zn, Cu are much more abundant than iron.

Question 3

What are HNLC regions and what limits primary productivity there?

Answer 3

• High nitrogen low chlorophyll regions

- Primary productivity is limited by lack of iron.

Question 4

What are some of the strategies of marine organisms to cope with low iron availability.

Answer 4

• Highly efficient uptake and
recycling systems - Siderophores etc
• Use of chemical alternatives
to iron - “exotic” metalloenzymes.