Eat Right Practice Exam

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Prepare for the Eat Right Exam with our quiz. Utilize flashcards and multiple choice questions with detailed explanations and hints. Ace your exam!

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Which statement best describes the function of copper?

It is involved in taste perception.
It is a component of the thyroid hormone.
It is necessary for the formation of hemoglobin.
It enhances insulin activity.

The correct answer is: It is necessary for the formation of hemoglobin.

Copper plays a critical role in various physiological processes, and one of its key functions is as a cofactor in the enzymatic reactions necessary for the formation of hemoglobin. Hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body, requires copper for the proper synthesis and function of enzymes involved in iron metabolism. Since iron is an essential component of hemoglobin, the availability and utilization of copper are crucial for effective oxygen transport and overall blood health. In terms of the other options, taste perception is primarily linked to zinc, while the thyroid hormone primarily involves iodine and tyrosine. The enhancement of insulin activity is associated more with chromium rather than copper. Therefore, the function of copper in hemoglobin formation demonstrates its essential role in the body's metal metabolism and the maintenance of healthy blood cells.