It is also required for the normal functioning of aerobic (oxygen-requiring) microorganisms.Ĭopper is incorporated into a variety of proteins and metalloenzymes which perform essential metabolic functions the micronutrient is necessary for the proper growth, development, and maintenance of bone, connective tissue, brain, heart, and many other body organs. Results from these studies are expected to be used to fine-tune governmental dietary recommendation programs which are designed to help protect public health.Ĭopper is an essential trace element (i.e., micronutrient) that is required for plant, animal, and human health. Researchers specializing in the fields of microbiology, toxicology, nutrition, and health risk assessments are working together to define the precise copper levels that are required for essentiality, while avoiding deficient or excess copper intakes. The studies have also resulted in successful treatments for genetic copper excess conditions, empowering patients whose lives were once jeopardized. The study of copper's genetic diseases, which are the focus of intense international research activity, has shed insight into how human bodies use copper, and why it is important as an essential micronutrient. Optimal Copper Levels Ĭopper deficiency and toxicity can be either of genetic or non-genetic origin.

Ĭhemical compounds which were developed for treatment of Wilson's disease have been investigated for use in cancer therapy. A central link in this chain is plastocyanin, a blue copper protein.Ī unique tetranuclear copper center has been found in nitrous-oxide reductase. Photosynthesis functions by an elaborate electron transport chain within the thylakoid membrane.

These proteins relay electrons by the process called electron transfer. Several copper proteins, such as the 'blue copper proteins', do not interact directly with substrates hence they are not enzymes. The biological role for copper commenced with the appearance of oxygen in earth's atmosphere. Instead of reversibly binding oxygen, these proteins hydroxylate substrates, illustrated by their role in the formation of lacquers. Structurally related to hemocyanin are the laccases and tyrosinases. Because hemocyanin is blue, these organisms have blue blood rather than the red blood of iron-based hemoglobin. The protein hemocyanin is the oxygen carrier in most mollusks and some arthropods such as the horseshoe crab ( Limulus polyphemus).

Cu +-SOD + O 2 − + 2H + → Cu 2+-SOD + H 2O 2 (oxidation of copper reduction of superoxide).

Cu 2+-SOD + O 2 − → Cu +-SOD + O 2 (reduction of copper oxidation of superoxide).

Copper is also found in many superoxide dismutases, proteins that catalyze the decomposition of superoxides by converting it (by disproportionation) to oxygen and hydrogen peroxide: Cytochrome c oxidase is the protein that binds the O 2 between a copper and an iron the protein transfers 8 electrons to the O 2 molecule to reduce it to two molecules of water. In mitochondria, it is found in cytochrome c oxidase, which is the last protein in oxidative phosphorylation. Copper is essential in the aerobic respiration of all eukaryotes. Standards adopted by some nations recommend different copper intake levels for adults, pregnant women, infants, and children, corresponding to the varying need for copper during different stages of life.Ĭopper proteins have diverse roles in biological electron transport and oxygen transportation, processes that exploit the easy interconversion of Cu(I) and Cu(II). However, like all essential elements and nutrients, too much or too little nutritional ingestion of copper can result in a corresponding condition of copper excess or deficiency in the body, each of which has its own unique set of adverse health effects.ĭaily dietary standards for copper have been set by various health agencies around the world. The human body has complex homeostatic mechanisms which attempt to ensure a constant supply of available copper, while eliminating excess copper whenever this occurs. In humans, copper is essential to the proper functioning of organs and metabolic processes. Cu = copper, CP = ceruloplasmin, green = ATP7B carrying copper.Ĭopper is an essential trace element that is vital to the health of all living things (humans, plants, animals, and microorganisms).

Normal absorption and distribution of copper.

Copper coblyn