Copper-containing enzymes: Site types and low-molecular-weight model compounds

Abstract

A structured description is suggested for the existing types of copper-containing sites in copper proteins. The most important specific features of mono-, di-, tri-, and tetranuclear sites are reported, and the structural geometry of each site is considered. The functional features and catalytic reactions characteristics of each type of site are discussed. Examples of copper-containing enzyme mimics are considered, and the importance of their synthesis and use is demonstrated.