The metal zinc is known as a metallic chemical element that is found in reasonable abundance around the world. It is classified in the transition metals, along with nickel and mercury. This metal is used in various alloys and compounds which have a variety of uses from sunscreen to fine art. In addition to this, living organisms also rely on zinc as a valuable nutritional trace element. This metal is hard and brittle at most temperatures and is a fair conductor of electricity. With this in mind, zinc is the second most abundant trace element in the body and as a deficiency it can have serious effects on normal bodily physiology. These effects include: abnormal development, movement disorders, and anorexia. Zinc is found mostly in the strong muscles of the body; especially in high concentrations in red and white blood cells, eye retina, skin, liver, kidneys, bones, and pancreas.
Zinc is an essential trace element that is vital for growth and development. It is instrumental in the immune response, brain function, and the ability to reproduce. This metal is essential for the proper function of cellular metabolism. About one hundred enzyme rely on this metal to help them in catalyzing vital chemical reactions. Zinc helps in protecting cell membranes from oxidative damage and helps stabilize the structure of the cell proteins. The zinc proteins bind to DNA which help the genes tell the cells in what to do; which include: telling certain cells to die, which is essential for growth, gestation, and disease prevention. It also helps with the control of releasing the hormones and the transmission of nerve impulses.
References:
1. Metals in medicine and the environment. The role of zinc in ischemia. 05 August 2009. 31 March 2011. <http://www.faculty.virginia.edu/metals/cases/corson2.html>.
2. Nionomya, Kent. What does zinc do for the body. 02 February 2011. 31 March 2011. <http://www.ehow.com/about_4678519_zinc-do-body_.html>.
3. Health benefits of zinc. Organic Facts. 31 March 2011. <http://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/minerals/health-benefits-of-zinc.html>.
Your blog covered all of the highlights of zinc's roles in biological systems, but I would have liked it if you had expanded on one of these roles. Your first paragraph was a good overview of zinc, and I think you could have narrowed the focus of the second paragraph. I don't really have any questions because your topic was so broad. Any questions that I might have would be how does zinc deficiency cause anorexia, or how it helps in the control of the release of hormones. Basically questions that help give more focus to your blog. Good overview of zinc though.
ReplyDelete-The High School Chemist
I found your blog to be very informative on how zinc is involved in living things and industrial applications as well. However, I thought that there was some need to give a more detailed explanation on at least one purpose of zinc in the human body. For instance, how does zinc protect cell membranes from oxidative damage? Overall, I think you did hit the major points that describe zinc.
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