Final answer:
The body's trace metals, such as zinc, copper, manganese, and cobalt, are present in tiny quantities but are essential for various biological functions like immune response, protein synthesis, oxygen metabolism, and production of red blood cells.
Step-by-step explanation:
The body's trace metals are essential elements that are found in very small quantities but play significant roles in various biological processes. Zinc is crucial for the immune system, protein synthesis, and growth of tissues and cells. Copper is integral to the function of several proteins, including those involved in the production of hemoglobin. Hephaestin and ceruloplasmin are copper-containing plasma proteins that aid in the absorption and transport of iron, which is key for hemoglobin synthesis. Manganese is important for the proper metabolism of oxygen. Cobalt, found in vitamin B-12, is essential for neurological function and the formation of red blood cells. Other elements such as molybdenum are also present in trace amounts and act as cofactors for essential enzymes.