Which of the following trace elements is impoant for conversion of procollagen to collagen?
The collagen fibers are strengthened by covalent cross-links between lysine and hydroxylysine residues. The cross-links are formed by lysyl oxidase which conves these amino acids into aldehydes. These are called aldol cross-links. Lysyl oxidase is a copper-containing enzyme, the copper ion being located at its active site. Box 52.1 gives a summary of the steps in collagen formation. In copper deficiency, reduced cross-linking of collagen results (Chapter 35). The aldehyde derivatives of lysine residues can form an aldol condensation. Such aldol cross-links are formed near the amino terminal of the chains.Ref: DM Vasudevan, page no: 582
Se
Cu
Zn
Mg
nutrition and digestion