Are transition metals vital?

Life evolved to take advantage of the unique properties of chemical elements. When we think about which ones are essential for life we usually go to carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen…maybe nitrogen, sulfur and phosphorus. But transition metals, found in the D block of the periodic table of the elements, must be included among the list of elements which are critical to many living systems including humans. This animation will briefly describe what transition metals are and what unique properties they possess to make them indispensable. Then we will look at four examples of transition metals (copper, iron, manganese, and cobalt) and how they serve central functions for vertebrates, invertebrates, and plants.
For further reading about transition metals in biochemistry:
Transition metals and coordination complexes
Chemical elements which are essential for life:

[jakebourdages]

Awesome video, thank you for taking the time to thoroughly explain this topic in an easily digestible manner. Your channel deserved much more attention and subscribers than it currently has.

[Aphelia.]

This is amazing. Nature uses transition metals in a way that makes life possible. Thanks for the video!!

[matthewpowell]

What an excellent and compelling lesson. The beautiful complexity of life never ceases to amaze. Thanks ScienceSketch!