Final answer:
Antioxidant minerals function as cofactors for antioxidant enzyme systems, with selenium being an essential cofactor for enzymes such as glutathione peroxidase. option D.
Step-by-step explanation:
Antioxidant minerals function as cofactors within antioxidant enzyme systems. These cofactors, which include essential minerals like selenium, are critical for the proper functioning of antioxidant enzymes such as glutathione peroxidase.
They work by aiding in the detoxification processes within cells, neutralizing free radicals, and preventing oxidative damage to cellular components like DNA, proteins, and lipids.
Vitamins like C, E, and provitamin B-carotene also have antioxidant roles in the body. They protect against the damage caused by free radicals, which are highly reactive molecules with unpaired electrons.
Free radicals can result from metabolic reactions and environmental factors such as radiation and pollution.
Besides vitamins, certain minerals play a vital role as cofactors in antioxidant enzyme systems. For instance, selenium is required in trace amounts for the activity of enzymes like glutathione peroxidase. This highlights the importance of a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, which are sources of these vital antioxidants and their cofactors.
So option D.