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Zinc functions

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

Authoring team

Zinc has the following biochemical roles:

  • co-factor in proteins e.g.:
    • RNA and DNA polymerases
    • reverse transcriptase
    • carbonic anhydrase
    • carboxypeptidase
    • alkaline phosphatase
    • hydrolases

Consequently, it has varied physiological roles:

  • growth
  • wound healing
  • carbon dioxide transfer
  • prostate function
  • normal taste and appetite
  • maintenance of sperm counts
  • protein digestion

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