MILS-16 provides an up-to-date review of the impact of alkali metal ions on life. Their
bioinorganic chemistry and analytical determination the solid state structures of bio-ligand
complexes and the properties of alkali metal ions in solution in the context of all kinds of
biologically relevant ligands are covered this includes proteins (enzymes) and nucleic acids
(G-quadruplexes). Minerals containing sodium (Na+) and potassium (K+) are abundant in the
Earth's crust making Na+ and K+ easily available. In contrast the alkali elements lithium
(Li+) rubidium and cesium are rare and the radioactive francium occurs only in traces. Since
the intra- and extracellular as well as the compartmental concentrations of Na+ and K+ differ
significantly homeostasis and active transport of these ions are important this involves
transporters carriers and pore-forming ion channel proteins. Systems like Na+ K+-ATPases H+
K+-ATPases or Na+ H+ antiporters are thoroughly discussed. The role of K+ in photosynthesis and
the role of Na+ in charging the battery of life are pointed out. Also the relationships
between alkali metal ions and diseases (e.g. Parkinson or traumatic brain injury) are covered
and the relevance of Li+ salts in medicine (pharmacology and mechanism) is reviewed. This and
more is treated in an authoritative and timely manner in the 16 stimulating chapters of Volume
16 The Alkali Metal Ions: Their Role for Life which are written by 44 internationally
recognized experts from 12 nations. The impact of this vibrant research area is manifested in
nearly 3000 references over 30 tables and more than 150 illustrations (two thirds in color).
MILS-16 also provides excellent information for teaching.Astrid Sigel Helmut Sigel and Roland
K. O. Sigel have long-standing interests in Biological Inorganic Chemistry. Their research
focuses on metal ion interactions with nucleotides and nucleic acids and on related topics.
They edited previously 44 volumes in the series Metal Ions in Biological Systems.
