Molybdenum

Molybdenum is a chemical element with the symbol Mo and atomic number 42. It is an essential trace element for all living organisms, including plants, animals, and microorganisms.

Functions of Molybdenum

Molybdenum plays a crucial role in various biological processes, including:

• Enzyme Activation: Molybdenum is a component of several enzymes, including nitrogenase and nitrate reductase, which are involved in nitrogen metabolism in plants and nitrogen fixation in certain bacteria.
• Sulfite Oxidation: Molybdenum-containing enzymes are also involved in the oxidation of sulfite to sulfate in animals, which is an important step in the metabolism of sulfur-containing amino acids.
• Xanthine Oxidase: Molybdenum is a cofactor for the enzyme xanthine oxidase, which catalyzes the conversion of hypoxanthine to xanthine and xanthine to uric acid in purine metabolism.

Sources of Molybdenum

Molybdenum is found in a variety of foods, including legumes, nuts, grains, leafy vegetables, and organ meats. It can also be obtained from drinking water, although the molybdenum content in water varies geographically.

Deficiency and Toxicity

A deficiency of molybdenum is rare in humans, as the element is widely distributed in foods. However, molybdenum toxicity can occur if extremely high levels are ingested, leading to symptoms such as gout-like conditions and joint pain. The tolerable upper intake level for molybdenum has been established to prevent toxicity.

Study Guide

When studying molybdenum, be sure to focus on the following key points:

1. The role of molybdenum in enzyme activation, particularly in nitrogen metabolism and sulfur-containing amino acid metabolism.
2. Sources of molybdenum in the diet and the potential for deficiency or toxicity.
3. The importance of molybdenum in biological systems and its impact on overall health.