Final answer:
Selenium is a trace mineral essential for the immune system's function, acting as a cofactor for antioxidant enzymes and playing a role in tissue respiration. The option (A) is correct.
Step-by-step explanation:
Selenium is a trace mineral that appears to play a role in several bodily functions, including as a cofactor for important antioxidant enzymes such as glutathione peroxidase. This indicates that selenium is critical for immune system function, among other roles. Good dietary sources of selenium include the kidney cortex, pancreas, pituitary, and liver. It is absorbed mainly in the duodenum and distributed across various tissues such as liver, skin, and muscle. In cells, selenium is present in the form of selenocysteine and selenomethionine.
Selenium works alongside Vitamin E in tissue respiration and is also involved in the biosynthesis of coenzyme Q which is part of the respiratory chain. Furthermore, its action as an antioxidant helps to protect against peroxidation in tissues and membranes. While selenium does contribute to various systems, its primary noted function in the provided context is boosting the immune system, antioxidant protection, and tissue respiration. Therefore, option (A) is correct.
This question is not complete, Here I am attaching the complete question:
Selenium is a trace mineral that appears to play a role in _____ function.
(A) immune
(B) brain
(C) digestive
(D) sexual