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Choose the statement that best describes the function of Copper?

A. It is involved in taste perception
B. It is a component of the thyroid hormone
C. It is necessary for the formation of hemoglobin
D. It enhances insulin activity

1 Answer

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Final answer:

C. It is necessary for the formation of hemoglobin

Copper is essential for hemoglobin synthesis as it is part of plasma proteins involved in iron absorption and transport. Deficiency in copper impedes these processes and can result in organ damage due to iron accumulation.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement that best describes the function of Copper is: It is necessary for the formation of hemoglobin. Copper is a key component of two essential plasma proteins, hephaestin and ceruloplasmin. These proteins play a critical role in iron absorption and transport, which are vital for hemoglobin synthesis. Hephaestin, located in the intestinal villi, helps iron to be absorbed by intestinal cells, while ceruloplasmin is responsible for transporting copper. Both proteins facilitate the oxidation of iron necessary for its transport to body cells for heme synthesis. In the absence of sufficient copper, iron transport and subsequent hemoglobin synthesis are impaired, which can lead to the accumulation of iron in tissues, potentially causing organ damage.

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