Functions of copper
Copper is required for
- iron metabolism through ceruloplasmin
- ceruloplasmin is a ferroxidase, catalysing the conversion of ferrous to ferric iron; for this reason copper is required to optimise binding of iron to transferrin and hence to allow adequate synthesis of haemoglobin
- antioxidant defence
- neuropeptide synthesis
- immune function
- melanin pigment formation (1).
Copper is an essential co-factor for the following enzymes:
- cytochrome oxidase
- superoxide dismutase
- tyrosinase
- dopamine beta-hydroxylase
- lysyl oxidase
Reference:
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