Week 8: Non-essential elements

Question 1

How much copper is required?

Answer 1

~ 900 micrograms/day

Question 2

What food sources is copper found in?

Answer 2

Oysters and other shell fish
Seeds and nuts
Meats (high in kidney and liver)
Whole grains

Question 3

What essentials key enzymes need copper? Name their functions too

Answer 3

Superoxide dismutase (involved in the removal of superoxide free radicals

Lysyl oxidase- needed for collagen and elastin synthesis

Cytochrome C oxidase- last enzyme in electron transport chain

Question 4

What are some copper deficiency specific to the body?

Answer 4

• Decreased cross-linking of collagen and elastin
  -Poor bone formation and strength, hyper-extensible skin, weak ligaments
  -increase occurrence of aortic aneurysms
• increased ROS
• loss of complex IV activity (decrease ATP generation)