Interaction modes and absolute affinities of α-amino acids for Mn2+: a comprehensive picture.

Manganese is involved as a cofactor in the activation of numerous enzymes as well as the oxygen-evolving complex of photosystem II. Full understanding of the role played by the Mn(2+) ion requires detailed knowledge of the interaction modes and energies of manganese with its various environments, a knowledge that is far from complete. To bring detailed insight into the local interactions of Mn in metallopeptides and proteins, theoretical studies employing first-principles quantum mechanical calculations are carried out on [Mn-amino acid](2+) complexes involving all 20 natural α-amino acids (AAs).