Metals (Metallomics)

Until now, up to twenty-eight metals have been regarded as beneficial or essential components, regulating a great number of physiological processes and maintaining the homeostasis in living organisms. Actually, about one-third of all proteins require metal ions acting as cofactors for appropriate function. For example, copper acting as a cofactor in many redox enzymes such as cytochrome c oxidase, which exert an effect on respiratory electron transport chain of mitochondria. Another example is that selenium often incorporated into antioxidant enzymes like selenocysteine and exerts its function in host oxidative defense.