Chapter 23, Problem 1SEPP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The potential toxicity of copper in the human body is to be explained out of the given options.

Concept Introduction:

There is a group of essential enzymes called cuproenzymes andcopper is animportant component of it. These enzymes havea variety of significant roles in cellular energy production and other biological metabolisms and immune system development.

There are twodifferent oxidation states of copper ($\text{Cu}$) under physiological conditions:

${\text{Cu}}^{+}$(cuprous) and ${\text{Cu}}^{+2}$(cupric).

${\text{Cu}}^{+2}+{\text{e}}^{-}\to {\text{Cu}}^{+}$……….. (1)

These are necessary for functioning of cuproenzymes.

$·\text{OH}$ radical are highly reactive and cause damage to DNA and proteins.