Final answer:
Copper is integrated into two plasma proteins, hephaestin and ceruloplasmin, after absorption. Hephaestin aids in dietary iron absorption, while ceruloplasmin transports copper. Copper enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase, contain copper as well, which is crucial for red blood cell protection from oxidative damage.
Step-by-step explanation:
Copper is a trace mineral that plays a critical role in human physiology. It is incorporated into two key plasma proteins: hephaestin and ceruloplasmin. After absorption, copper becomes a part of these proteins. Hephaestin is located in the intestinal villi and is essential for iron absorption from the diet into the bloodstream. Ceruloplasmin is responsible for copper transport and facilitates the oxidation of iron from Fe²+ to Fe³+, which can then be carried by the transport protein transferrin.
Moreover, copper is found in other proteins, such as blue copper proteins, which have a visually striking blue color due to their intense absorption band near a wavelength of 600 nm. Copper is essential for enzyme function, as in the case of superoxide dismutase, which contains copper and is critical for protecting red blood cells from oxidative damage.
In cases of copper deficiency, the transport and synthesis of hemoglobin are impaired, leading to iron accumulation in tissues and potential organ damage. Additionally, the roles of copper in the brain, red blood cells, and liver are characterized by the presence of copper-containing proteins such as cerebrocuperin, erythrocuperin, and hepatocuperin, respectively.