ABSTRACT
A relation exists between biological evolution and the periodic table of the elements: all organisms, since their first evolutionary stages, made use of the chemical properties of many metal ions for the development of their essential biochemical functions. Cadmium is found in the periodic table in the same column as Hg and Zn, but its chemical properties are closer to Zn, whose similarity affects Cd distribution and toxic properties. Arsenic and P, also found in the same column of the periodic table, present a similar chemical behavior; however, oxidation-state reduction from five to three results easier in As. Throughout biological evolution, some elements substituted others, for example, Fe substituted Cu in many redox biosystems and processes. Heavy elements such as Nb and the like were formed in merging neutron stars. The key experiment in interpreting quantum-systems behavior was double-slit experiment. The thought 26experiment Schrödinger’s cat illustrates the concept of superposition of states, which is basis of quantum computation. Thought experiments were important in understanding complex concepts (e.g., Einstein’s special and general theories of relativity). In sustainable chemistry and photocatalysis, metal nanoparticles are used as fotocatalysts for the synthesis of organic compounds.
