Biomimetic Chemistry

Name:
Biomimetic Chemistry
Detailed information:
An interdisciplinary approach to biochemistry including both organic and inorganic aspects of this field. The term means imitation or mimicry of natural organic processes in living systems, and encompasses such subjects as enzyme systems, vitamin B₁₂ and flavins, oxygen binding and activation, bioorganic mechanisms, and nitrogen and small-molecule fixation. The technique was utilized in the synthesis of the bleomycin molecule. A notable example of biomimetic chemistry is the development of model synthetic catalysts that imitate the action of natural enzymes. The behavior of chymotrypsin has been duplicated by a manufactured catalyst that can accelerate certain reaction rates by the incredible factor of 100 billion.