Copper deficiency is associated with decreased activity of which enzyme in erythrocytes?

Copper deficiency is associated with decreased activity of which enzyme in erythrocytes?

• A. Copper
• B. Iron
• C. Zinc
• D. Selenium

Answer: (A)

Copper is a key cofactor for the Cu,Zn superoxide dismutase present in red blood cells. This enzyme converts superoxide radicals into hydrogen peroxide, protecting hemoglobin and the erythrocyte membrane from oxidative damage. When copper is deficient, the activity of this copper-containing enzyme declines, leading to increased oxidative stress inside the cell. That’s why copper deficiency is linked to decreased activity of this erythrocyte enzyme. Other minerals listed are involved in different enzymes, but the direct link here is copper as the needed cofactor for this SOD enzyme.

Copper is a key cofactor for the Cu,Zn superoxide dismutase present in red blood cells. This enzyme converts superoxide radicals into hydrogen peroxide, protecting hemoglobin and the erythrocyte membrane from oxidative damage. When copper is deficient, the activity of this copper-containing enzyme declines, leading to increased oxidative stress inside the cell. That’s why copper deficiency is linked to decreased activity of this erythrocyte enzyme. Other minerals listed are involved in different enzymes, but the direct link here is copper as the needed cofactor for this SOD enzyme.