Final answer:
c. hemoglobin formation.
Copper is essential for several physiological functions, including hemoglobin formation, iron metabolism, and connective tissue synthesis. It does not, however, play a direct role in thyroid hormone synthesis, which is dependent on iodine and tyrosine.
Step-by-step explanation:
Copper is a trace mineral essential for several physiological functions in the human body, such as the synthesis of hemoglobin, aiding in the absorption and transport of iron, and the formation of connective tissue. The functions of copper include being a component of plasma proteins like hephaestin and ceruloplasmin, which are crucial for the proper production of hemoglobin and iron metabolism. A deficiency in copper can lead to decreased transport of iron, accumulation in tissues, and potential organ damage. Copper is involved in the oxidation of iron from Fe²+ to Fe³+, enabling its binding to transferrin for transport.
However, copper does not have a direct role in thyroid hormone synthesis. This process involves iodine and the amino acid tyrosine, and is not linked to copper's biological functions. Copper is critical for hemoglobin formation, connective tissue formation, and the release of iron from storage, but not for the synthesis of thyroid hormones.