Trace element
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.
Types
The two types of trace element in biochemistry are classed as essential or non-essential.
Essential trace elements
An essential trace element is a
Non-essential trace elements
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]
See also
References
- PMID 27433374.
- ^ "Definition of Trace element". www.merriam-webster.com. Retrieved 30 June 2023.
- ^ "What are Trace Elements ?" (PDF).
- ISBN 9780121209506.
- ^ ISSN 0188-8897. Retrieved 5 November 2018.
- ISBN 978-0-07-802429-0.)
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: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link - PMID 36152810.
- ^ "Essential Elements for Life". saylordotorg.github.io. Retrieved 2023-02-13.