Final answer:
Selenium is involved in various biological functions such as tissue respiration, antioxidant protection, and enzyme activity. It is essential for hemoglobin synthesis, collagen formation, and maintaining the integrity of the myelin sheath.
Step-by-step explanation:
Selenium has numerous functions in the body.
- It plays an important role in tissue respiration along with Vitamin E.
- It is involved in the biosynthesis of coenzyme Q, which is part of the respiratory chain.
- It acts as an antioxidant, providing protection against peroxidation in tissues and membranes.
- It is an essential component of glutathione peroxidase, an enzyme involved in converting reduced glutathione to its oxidized form.
- It is required for hemoglobin synthesis, melanin formation, phospholipids synthesis, and collagen synthesis.
- It has a role in bone formation and maintaining the integrity of the myelin sheath.
- It is a cofactor for three essential enzymes: sulfite oxidase, xanthine oxidase, and aldehyde oxidase.