Chemical and Biochemical Properties of the Iron Mineral Core of Mammalian Ferritin

The Research objectives are to evaluate the chemical composition of the iron core of mammalian ferritin with regard to 1 binding of metal ions 2 electrochemical energy storage and 3 electron transfer reactions. Both apo and holo ferritin bind Fe as well as other metal ions Cu2, Zn2and Mn2 under anaerobic conditions as a function of pH. Apo ferritin binds 8Fe2 at protein sites whereas holo binds large numbers of Fe2 on its mineral core surface. Holo ferritin undergoes reduction at its FeOOH mineral core forming a Fe2 mineral phase. Apo ferritin also undergoes redox reactions presumable at some amino acid cite. Electron transfer reaction occur readily in the FeOOH core indicating the mineral core has relatively high electrical conductivity. Keywords Ferritin Electron Transfer Redox Reactions Biomineral.