Designing Models for Metalloenzymes

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Over the past couple of decades, we have arrived at the point where we are beginning to understand the mode of action of metaloenzymes and to use this knowledge for designing small organometallic catalysts; i.e. biomimetics. Quantum chemistry is an essential part of this process. However, due to methodical and technical limitations, quantum mechanical studies are limited to small models of these huge biosystems. This article attempts to bridge the fields of quantum chemistry and biochemistry by illustrating some of the basic mechanisms by which nature accomplishes catalysis. This chapter contains a critical discussion of the limitations of quantum mechanical methods, the pitfalls one can encounter along the way and the necessity for critical model evaluation.