Basics and Chemistry
Around what time was zinc first discovered to be essential for the growth of microorganisms
1869
Name one food that is high in zinc.
Oysters (best answer), red meat, poultry
Where is zinc primarily absorbed?
Small intestine
What is zinc’s most important metabolic role?
Gene expression regulation
What is a common symptom of zinc deficiency?
Growth failure, immune dysfunction, skin lesions
What is the biologically active form of zinc in the body?
What is Zn2+ (zinc ion)
Which type of foods generally have lower zinc bioavailability: animal or plant?
Plant foods
What transporter is responsible for zinc uptake into intestinal cells?
ZIP4
What structural motif allows zinc to bind DNA?
Zinc-finger
Zinc deficiency commonly causes loss of what senses?
Taste and smell
What type of mineral is zinc?
What is Essential Trace Mineral
Why are oysters considered the best zinc source?
Extremely high zinc concentration + high bioavailability
What transporter moves zinc out of cells into the bloodstream?
ZnT1
What are the TWO major functional roles of zinc in the body?
Gene regulation + cellular signaling
What population is at higher risk of zinc deficiency?
Older adults, vegetarians, people with GI disorders
Zinc is primarily known for being a structural component of what type of proteins?
What is Zinc-finger proteins
What is the approximate RDA for adult males?
11 mg/day
What protein binds and transports zinc in the blood?
Albumin
In the pancreas, zinc inhibits secretion of which hormone?
Glucagon
Excess zinc intake can interfere with absorption of what mineral?
Copper
What types of amino acid residues typically coordinate zinc in proteins to form stable structures like zinc-finger domains?
Cysteine and histidine
What compound in plant foods reduces zinc absorption?
Phytates
What is the key difference between ZIP and ZnT transporters?
ZIP brings zinc INTO cells, ZnT moves zinc OUT or into organelles
What is the outcome of zinc's involvement with acinar cells
Enzyme Activation
Explain the mechanism by which excessive zinc intake can lead to copper deficiency.
High zinc intake increases metallothionein in intestinal cells, which preferentially binds copper, trapping it and preventing its absorption