A trace element serves as the essential metal cofactor for more than 100 human enzymes, including RNA polymerase, alkaline phosphatase, and carbonic anhydrase. Its deficiency impairs taste, delays wound healing, and causes hypogonadism. Which element is this?
- A Copper
- B Zinc ✓
- C Manganese
- D Chromium
Correct answer: B. Zinc
Explanation
Zinc is the structural or catalytic cofactor for well over a hundred metalloenzymes, including carbonic anhydrase, alkaline phosphatase, RNA polymerase, and alcohol dehydrogenase, and it stabilizes zinc-finger motifs in transcription factors. Deficiency classically produces dysgeusia, impaired wound healing, hypogonadism with growth retardation, and acrodermatitis enteropathica in infancy. Copper deficiency instead causes anemia, neutropenia, and myelopathy, which distinguishes the two clinically.
Reference: Harper's Illustrated Biochemistry, 32nd ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.