Copper

From IKE

To explain the esentiality of copper in terms of its biochemical role in several oxidase enzymes to identify metallothionein as a cellular protein induced by several divalent metals

Contents 1 Basics 2 Oxidase enzymes 2.1 RBC Superoxide Dismutase 2.2 Cytochrome Oxidase 2.3 Dopamine beta-hydroxylase 2.4 Tyrosinase 2.5 Lysyl Oxidase 3 Metabolism 4 Dietary Sources 5 Deficiency 6 Resources

Basics

• has a redox role in several oxidase enzymes

Oxidase enzymes

Ceruloplasmin

RBC Superoxide Dismutase

• accounts for 60% of RBC copper and also contains Zinc
• Destroys superoxide anion radicals

Cytochrome Oxidase

• terminal enzyme in the respiratory chain that donates electrons to oxygen

Dopamine beta-hydroxylase

• in catecholamine synthesis in nervous tissue (norepinephrine) and the adrenal medulla (epinephrine)

Tyrosinase

• Involved in the biosynthesis of melanin

Lysyl Oxidase

• Crosslinks lysines in collagen

Metabolism

• There is about 50-60mg of copper in the body
• Recommended daily intake: 0.5-1mg
• Two diseases of copper metabolism are Menke’s disease and Wilson's disease

Dietary Sources

• Both animal tissue (shellfish) and plants (grains) are good sources
• usually absorbed easily
• balance is maintained between absorption and excretion in bile

Deficiency

• Copper deficiency causes a hypochromic microcytic anemia (ceruloplasmin?)
• Also causes a neutropenia (low circulating levels of neutrophils) because of effects on the marrow

Resources

• Merck Manual: Mineral Deficiency and toxicity - Copper
• Harrison's Online: Vitamin and Trace Mineral Deficiency and Excess - Copper