Copper is an essential trace mineral in animals and many plants. The chemical symbol for copper is Cu from the Latin name for copper, cuprum. There is less than one-tenth of one gram of copper in the human body. Copper can easily accept and donate electrons in the body. Copper can shift between the cuprous state with a single positive charge (Cu+) to the cupric state, which has two positive charges (Cu++). Copper has important roles in energy production in the cell and in scavenging free radicals.
COPPER IN ENERGY PRODUCTION
Copper is used in an enzyme called cytochrome c oxidase in the energy-producing mitochondria in the cell. Cytochrome c oxidase helps to make ATP, the energy battery of the cell. By catalyzing the reaction between molecular oxygen and water, cytochrome c oxidase generates an electrical gradient used by the mitochondria to create ATP.
In addition to its enzymatic functions, copper is used in the electron transport chain. Interestingly, two copper-containing proteins that transport electrons, azurin and plastocyanin, have an intense blue color.
COPPER AND COLLAGEN
Copper is required by an enzyme, lysyl oxidase, which cross-links collagen and elastin. This cross-linking is essential for strong and flexible connective tissue, including skin and cartilage. Collagen is also a key element in the organic matrix of bone. Bones need copper for strength and density. Copper works with an enzyme to keep the connective tissue in the heart and blood vessels strong and flexible.
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