→ Show FUNCTIONS

(N.B. a function is associated to the site as a whole, not to each metal within the site)

• Catalytic
  When the metal ion is directly involved in the reaction mechanism of the enzyme.
  • Redox
    When the metal ion partecipates to the reaction mechanism by donating/accepting electron(s).
  • Not Redox
    When the metal ion participates to the reaction mechanism, but maintains its redox number throughout the reaction.
• Structural
  when the metal ion stabilizes the 3D or higher-order structure of the macromolecule it may aim to stabilize:
  • The tertiary structure of a biomolecule
  • The quaternary structure of a protein
  • The complex interface of biomolecules
• Transport
  When the metal ion binds other chemical species that are then transported together with it and eventually released.
• Electron Transfer
  When the metal ion transports electrons.
• Regulatory
  When the metal ion is involved in controlling the activity of the system or in the regulation of cellular processes. it may control:
  • Catalysis
    When the binding of the metal ion enhances/inhibits the activity of an enzyme.
  • Expression
    When the binding of the metal ion induces/inhibits transcription.
• Substrate
  When the metal ion is the target of the protein. it may aim to:
  • Sense the presence of the metal or of a metal-containing cofactor
  • Trasport the metal or a metal-containing cofactor
  • Store the metal or a metal-containing cofactor
  • Degradate a metal-containing cofactor
  • Biosynthesize a metal-containing cofactor
• Protection
  when the metal ion has the aim of preserving and defending a molecule from adverse reactions