Discuss the functions of copper in the body


The body contains about 100 milligrams of copper. About one-fourth is in the muscles; one-fourth is in the liver, brain, and blood; and the rest is in the bones, kidneys, and other tissues. The primary function of copper in the body is to serve as a constituent of enzymes. The copper-containing enzymes have diverse metabolic roles: they catalyze the formation of hemoglobin, help manufacture the protein collagen, inactivate histamine, degrade serotonin, assist in the healing of wounds, and help maintain the sheaths around nerve fibers. One of copper's most vital roles is to help cells use iron. Like iron, copper is needed in many reactions related to respiration and energy metabolism. The copper-dependent enzyme superoxide dismutase helps to control damage from free-radical activity in the tissues.

Nutritional Science

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____ is the most abundant nutrient found in foods and in the body.

Fill in the blank(s) with the appropriate word(s).

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Anna is a 3-year-old child who will only eat bananas, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, and chicken nuggets. Her mother is frustrated because she will not try anything new. This period of food _____ is typical of many preschoolers.

Fill in the blank(s) with the appropriate word(s).

Nutritional Science