Irene Calderon

1. Introduction Click to copy section linkSection link copied! Metal ions play essential roles both in the environment and in living organisms. (1) Some, such as Na+, K+, or Ca2+ form the basis of cellular communication. Others, even at trace levels, are vital cofactors in enzymatic catalysis, electron transfer, and regulatory processes, with Fe(II) in particular being central to redox chemistry, respiration, and DNA synthesis.