A trace element is a chemical element of a minute quantity, a trace amount, especially used in referring to a micronutrient, [1] [2] but is also used to refer to minor elements in the composition of a rock, or other chemical substance.
In nutrition, trace elements are classified into two groups: essential trace elements, and non-essential trace elements. Essential trace elements are needed for many physiological and biochemical processes in both plants and animals. Not only do trace elements play a role in biological processes but they also serve as catalysts to engage in redox – oxidation and reduction mechanisms. [3] Trace elements of some heavy metals have a biological role as essential micronutrients.
The two types of trace element in biochemistry are classed as essential or non-essential.
An essential trace element is a dietary element, a mineral that is only needed in minute quantities for the proper growth, development, and physiology of the organism. [4] The essential trace elements are those that are required to perform vital metabolic activities in organisms. [5] Essential trace elements in human nutrition, and other animals include iron (Fe) (hemoglobin), copper (Cu) ( respiratory pigments), cobalt (Co) ( Vitamin B12), iodine (I), manganese (Mn), chlorine (Cl), molybdenum (Mo), selenium (Se) and zinc (Zn) (enzymes). [5] [6] Although they are essential, they become toxic at high concentrations. [7]
Non-essential trace elements include silver (Ag), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), and lead (Pb). They have no known biological function in mammals, with toxic effects even at low concentration. [5]
The structural components of cells and tissues that are required in the diet in gram quantities daily are known as bulk elements. [8]
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A trace element is a chemical element of a minute quantity, a trace amount, especially used in referring to a micronutrient, [1] [2] but is also used to refer to minor elements in the composition of a rock, or other chemical substance.
In nutrition, trace elements are classified into two groups: essential trace elements, and non-essential trace elements. Essential trace elements are needed for many physiological and biochemical processes in both plants and animals. Not only do trace elements play a role in biological processes but they also serve as catalysts to engage in redox – oxidation and reduction mechanisms. [3] Trace elements of some heavy metals have a biological role as essential micronutrients.
The two types of trace element in biochemistry are classed as essential or non-essential.
An essential trace element is a dietary element, a mineral that is only needed in minute quantities for the proper growth, development, and physiology of the organism. [4] The essential trace elements are those that are required to perform vital metabolic activities in organisms. [5] Essential trace elements in human nutrition, and other animals include iron (Fe) (hemoglobin), copper (Cu) ( respiratory pigments), cobalt (Co) ( Vitamin B12), iodine (I), manganese (Mn), chlorine (Cl), molybdenum (Mo), selenium (Se) and zinc (Zn) (enzymes). [5] [6] Although they are essential, they become toxic at high concentrations. [7]
Non-essential trace elements include silver (Ag), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), and lead (Pb). They have no known biological function in mammals, with toxic effects even at low concentration. [5]
The structural components of cells and tissues that are required in the diet in gram quantities daily are known as bulk elements. [8]
{{
cite book}}
: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (
link)