In biology, the roles of transition metal ions can be broadly grouped into two classifications: redox chemistry (catalysis, electron transfer, etc.) and acid-base chemistry (catalysis, structural, etc.). A) List three metal ions that commonly participate in biological redox chemistry, and give examples of how they participate. B) Compare this list to metal ions commonly participating in acid-base chemistry. Discuss the overlap of these two groups of metal ions. (e.g. Why are some used for one of these functions and not for the other?) C) List some common biological ligands of these metal ions. Can you see patterns that would allow you to group these ligands into sets with common properties, or that bind common metals? D) Why are trace metals used for these biological functions, and not other more-abundant elements like C,N,O, etc? Solution (a) iron, copper, cobalt, manganese etc are used in biology redox reactions like molecular di oxygen, superoxide, hydrogen peroxide thus inhibiting the effect or formation of these compound by use of the certain other enzymes.. (c) the ions and the Ligands for them are Ike gluthaione peroxide which can bind to chromium, arsenic etc.. Iron binds to ferrodoxin which is associated with the photosynthesis.. (d) transition metals are used because they have empty d-orbitals in with them due to which they can easily transfer or accept the electrons or exchange the electrons among the metals and enzymes.. Which is not possible in other trace metals like carbon, nitrogen etc...