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Related Concept Videos

Minerals01:26

Minerals

Minerals are essential nutrients that the human body needs in small amounts to work properly. They play a vital role in many bodily functions, such as building strong bones and transmitting nerve impulses. Some minerals are needed for hormone production or to maintain a normal heartbeat. Major minerals include calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, sodium, chlorine, and magnesium, while trace minerals include iron, manganese, copper, iodine, zinc, cobalt, fluoride, and selenium.
Essential Minerals for Bone Health01:31

Essential Minerals for Bone Health

The minerals contained in all of the food we consume are essential for our organ systems. However, certain essential minerals, such as calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, and fluoride, largely affect bone health.
Calcium and Phosphorus
Calcium is a critical component of bones, especially in the form of calcium phosphate and calcium carbonate. Since the body cannot make calcium, it must be obtained from the diet. However, calcium cannot be absorbed from the small intestine without...
Vitamins01:30

Vitamins

Vitamins, derived from the Latin word for life, are essential organic substances required in small quantities for optimal growth and overall well-being. Unlike other organic nutrients, vitamins don't act as sources of energy or building materials but rather facilitate these nutrients' utilization by the body. Vitamins are predominantly coenzymes, assisting enzymes in specific chemical actions, like the oxidation of glucose for energy involving B vitamins. Most vitamins are not produced in our...
Cofactors and Coenzymes01:27

Cofactors and Coenzymes

Enzymes require additional components for proper function. There are two such classes of molecules: cofactors and coenzymes. Cofactors are metallic ions and coenzymes are non-protein organic molecules. Both of these types of helper molecule can be tightly bound to the enzyme or bound only when the substrate binds.
Cofactors and Coenzymes01:27

Cofactors and Coenzymes

Enzymes require additional components for proper function. There are two such classes of molecules: cofactors and coenzymes. Cofactors are metallic ions and coenzymes are non-protein organic molecules. Both of these types of helper molecule can be tightly bound to the enzyme or bound only when the substrate binds.
Cofactors and Coenzymes01:24

Cofactors and Coenzymes

Enzymes are proteins made of amino acids. The functional group of each constituent amino acid catalyzes a wide variety of chemical reactions via ionic interactions or acid-base reactions. However, amino acids cannot catalyze oxidation-reduction and group transfer reactions and need to be aided by non-protein components called cofactors. Cofactors are also referred to as the chemical teeth of an enzyme.
Cofactors can be metallic ions or organic molecules called coenzymes. These types of helper...

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Updated: Jun 16, 2026

Atomic Absorbance Spectroscopy to Measure Intracellular Zinc Pools in Mammalian Cells
13:04

Atomic Absorbance Spectroscopy to Measure Intracellular Zinc Pools in Mammalian Cells

Published on: May 16, 2019

Zinc: an essential micronutrient.

Robert B Saper1, Rebecca Rash

  • 1Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA. robert.saper@bmc.org

American Family Physician
|February 10, 2010
PubMed
Summary

Zinc is vital for numerous bodily functions and enzyme activity. Supplementation shows benefits for specific conditions like diarrhea and age-related macular degeneration, but evidence for others is lacking.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Human Nutrition
  • Metabolic Medicine

Background:

  • Zinc is an essential trace element crucial for over 100 enzymatic reactions, protein structure, and gene regulation.
  • Deficiency is common in malnutrition, alcoholism, inflammatory bowel disease, and malabsorption disorders.
  • Symptoms are diverse, including growth issues, immune dysfunction, and specific physical manifestations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the multifaceted roles of zinc in human health.
  • To evaluate the efficacy of zinc supplementation for various medical conditions.
  • To outline risks associated with zinc deficiency and high-dose supplementation.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on zinc's physiological roles.
  • Analysis of clinical trial data regarding zinc supplementation efficacy.

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Using Mycobacterium smegmatis as a Bioindicator for Zinc-Limited Growth Conditions in Mycobacteria
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  • Assessment of adverse effects from both deficiency and excess zinc intake.

    • Main Results:

    • Zinc is essential for metabolism, protein folding, and gene expression.
    • Supplementation may prevent infections and treat diarrhea in developing nations and aid macular degeneration.
    • Zinc effectively treats Wilson disease, but evidence does not support its use for HIV or wound healing.

    Conclusions:

    • Zinc plays a critical role in human health, with supplementation offering benefits for specific conditions.
    • Careful consideration of dosage is necessary to avoid adverse effects like immune suppression and nutrient imbalances.
    • Further research may clarify optimal uses and risks of zinc supplementation across different populations.