Metal Ions in Biological Systems

Recently, the importance of metal ions to the vital functions of living organisms, hence, their health and well-being, has become increasingly apparent. As a result, the long-neglected field of "bioinorganic chemistry" is now developing at a rapid pace. The research centers on the synthesis, stability, formation, structure, and reactivity of biological metal ion-containing compounds of low and high molecular weight. The metabolism and transport of metal ions and their complexes are being studied, and new models for complicated natural structures and processes are being devised and tested. The focal point of our attention is the connection between the chemistry of metal ions and their role for life.

No doubt, we are only at the brink of this process. Thus, it is with the intention of linking coordination chemistry and biochemistry in their widest sense that the Metal Ions in Biological Systems series reflects the growing field of "bioinorganic chemistry". We hope, also, that this series will help to break down the barriers among the historically separate spheres of chemistry, biochemistry, biology, medicine, and physics, with the expectation that a good deal of future outstanding discoveries will be made in the interdisciplinary areas of science.

Should this series prove a stimulus for new activities in this fascinating "field", it would serve its purpose and would be a satisfactory result for the efforts spent by the authors.