Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 12, 2026

Author Spotlight: Advancing Structural and Biochemical Studies of Proteins Through Thermal Shift Assays
Published on: August 9, 2024
SEXUAL DIMORPHISM IN SELENIUM METABOLISM AND SELENOPROTEINS
Lucia A Seale1, Ashley N Ogawa-Wong2, Marla J Berry1
1Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI, USA, 96813.
Abstract:
Sexual dimorphism, the condition in which males and females in a species differ beyond the morphology of sex organs, delineates critical aspects of the biology of higher eukaryotes, including selenium metabolism. While sex differences in selenium biology have been described by several laboratories, delineation of the effects of sex in selenium function and regulation of selenoprotein expression is still in its infancy. This review encompasses the available information on sex-dependent parameters of selenium metabolism, as well as the effects of selenium on sex hormones. Gaps in the current knowledge of selenium and sex are identified and discussed.
Related Concept Videos
What is Metabolism?
Sexually Transmitted Infections
Male Sexual Response: Erection & Ejaculation
The blood filling the erectile tissues compresses the veins, which helps to prevent blood from leaving...
Development of the Sexual Organs in the Embryo and Fetus
Near the gonadal ridges, two duct systems are present: the mesonephric ducts (Wolffian ducts) and paramesonephric ducts (Müllerian ducts). These ducts form the basis for the...
Carbohydrate Metabolism
Starch accounts for approximately 60% of the carbohydrates consumed by humans. Since amylase enzymes cannot function in the stomach's acidic environment, starch can only be digested in the mouth and small intestine. Simple sugars are found naturally in milk and fruits in...
Overview of Metabolism
Plant Metabolism
Sunlight, the primary source of energy in plants, is first absorbed by the chlorophyll pigments present in their leaves. Plants then use this energy to carry out photosynthesis, where water is oxidized into oxygen and carbon dioxide...

