Nickel Assay Kit

Supplementary information

This supplementary information is collated from multiple sources and compiled automatically.

Nickel with an atomic mass of 58.69 u is a metallic element that provides essential functions in various living organisms. Not to be confused with 'nickel 56' nickel is present in trace amounts and forms critical parts of certain enzymes. Nickel is commonly found in bacteria and plants while it is less general in animals. It is an important component of urease hydrogenase and carbon monoxide dehydrogenase enzymes involved in key biochemical reactions within microorganisms. These enzymes participate in processes like nitrogen metabolism and energy production.

Biological function summary

Nickel serves as a cofactor in metalloenzymes aiding enzymatic activity by binding to catalytic sites to facilitate reactions. In plants and bacterial systems nickel is essential for the proper function of hydrogenases a group of enzymes involved in hydrogen metabolism. It also plays a role in the structural stability of urease an enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of urea to form ammonia and carbon dioxide which is part of nitrogen assimilation. Nickel as part of the metalloenzyme complex depends on its interaction with other metals and protein subunits for its biological function.

Pathways

Various transport systems and molecular chaperones are involved in the intracellular delivery and incorporation of nickel into target enzymes. In microbial pathways nickel facilitates the reduction of hydrogen gas via hydrogenase enzymes linking to energy production pathways. Additionally nickel complexes influence urease activity in nitrogen cycling connected to proteins such as accessory proteins that assist in nickel insertion into the enzyme's active site. These pathways are important for nutrient cycles in ecosystems particularly for microorganisms in soil and water environments.

Nickel's interaction with biological systems can sometimes lead to conditions like nickel allergy a form of contact dermatitis affecting the skin. Allergic reactions involve proteins recognized by the immune system such as various metalloproteins where nickel may substitute other metals triggering hypersensitivity. Nickel exposure is also linked to respiratory disorders. Within occupational environments inhaled nickel particles can contribute to bronchitis altering respiratory proteins related to airway inflammation and immune responses.