Discuss the essential nature of selenium. Where and why are ...

[Beheh]

Discuss the essential nature of selenium. Where and why are deficiencies observed in the world?
 
  What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

Discuss the role of copper in the disorders Menkes disease and Wilson's disease.
 
  What will be an ideal response?

[Eunice618]

Answer to Question 1

Selenium is one of the body's antioxidant nutrients, working primarily as a part of proteinsmost notably, the glutathione peroxidase enzymes. Glutathione peroxidase and vitamin E work in tandem. Glutathione peroxidase prevents free-radical formation, thus blocking the chain reaction before it begins; if free radicals do form and a chain reaction starts, vitamin E stops it.

Answer to Question 2

Two rare genetic disorders affect copper status in opposite directions. In Menkes disease, the intestinal cells absorb copper, but cannot release it into circulation, causing a life-threatening deficiency. Treatment involves giving copper intravenously. In Wilson's disease, copper accumulates in the liver and brain, creating a life-threatening toxicity. Wilson's disease can be controlled by reducing copper intake, using chelating agents such as penicillamine, and taking zinc supplements, which interfere with copper absorption.

[Beheh]

TYSM

[debra928]

Thanks for the timely response, appreciate it