Saturday, January 18, 2014

IMPORTANCE OF COPPER TO HUMANS

Copper is a cofactor for several oxidoreductase enzymes that are involved in the generation of oxidative energy, oxidation of ferrous iron, synthesis of neurotransmitters, bestowment of pigment to hair and skin, provision of strength to bones and arteries, assurance of competence of the immune system, and stabilization of the matrices of connective tissues.

These enzymes include: amine oxidase, lysyl oxidase, ferroxidase (ceruloplasmin), dopamine B-monooxygenase, tyrosinase, alpha-amidating monooxygenase, cytochrome c oxidase, and superoxide dismutase. Thus, copper is essential for several fundamental processes, including angiogenesis, neuropeptide and neurohomone signaling, iron metabolism, oxygen transport, energy production and the regulation of genetic expression.

No comments:

Post a Comment

We hate SPAM!