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Which mineral is important for the formation of red blood cells?

  1. A
    Selenium
  2. B
    Calcium
  3. C
    Magnesium
  4. D
    Copper

Topic Flashcards

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Question

What is the primary role of copper in red blood cell (RBC) formation?

Answer

Copper is essential for iron metabolism; it helps absorb iron from the gut and mobilize it from storage sites for hemoglobin synthesis.

Question

Which copper-containing enzyme is crucial for oxidizing iron so it can be loaded onto transferrin for transport?

Answer

Ceruloplasmin (a ferroxidase enzyme).

Question

What type of anemia can result from a severe copper deficiency?

Answer

Hypochromic, microcytic anemia (similar to iron deficiency anemia).

Question

Besides copper, which vitamin is absolutely critical for the maturation of red blood cells?

Answer

Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) and/or Folate (Vitamin B9).

Question

Which other mineral is the central atom in every hemoglobin molecule and is directly incorporated into RBCs?

Answer

Iron (Fe²⁺).

Mini Quiz

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Selenium is a key mineral for hemoglobin production because it is part of the heme structure.
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