Principles of Biochemistry, Volume 1 - A. Lehninger 1985

Biomolecules
Vitamins and Trace Elements: Their Role in Enzyme Function
Some enzymes require other trace elements

It was found that molybdenum and vanadium are essential for the normal functioning of the active sites in certain flavin dehydrogenases. For instance, the enzyme xanthine oxidase, which catalyses The oxidation of specific Purines to yield uric acid as the end product, contains FAD as a prosthetic group along with molybdenum and iron.

It turned out that silicon—ubiquitous in the form of quartz (SiO2), the main component of sand, and calcium aluminosilicate, the primary mineral component of clay—must be included in the diet of rats, chicks, and other animals maintained on synthetic diets thoroughly purified of silicon. The biological function of silicon has not yet been established; however, it is known to occur in maximal concentrations in the bones and Connective Tissue of animals in the form of organosilicon compounds.

It was recently demonstrated that urease—the first enzyme to be isolated in crystalline form in 1926 (Sec. 9.1)—contains nickel. Chromium, located next to nickel in the periodic table, is involved in regulating glucose uptake by animal Tissues. Tin, which is indispensable for proper skeletal development, is likely required for calcification processes.

Two additional elements—boron and aluminium—have been found to be essential for certain plants.



Last update: 06/08/2026

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