Deficiency of which of the following micronutrient results in Menkes syndrome: (A) Magnesium, (B) Copper, (C) Selenium, (D) Manganese
Answer is B. Menkes syndrome, characterized by kinky hair and growth retardation, reflects a dietary deficiency of the copper required by lysyl oxidase, which catalyzes a key step in the formation of the covalent cross-links that strengthen collagen fibers.Ref: Harper&;s Biochemistry; 30th edition; Chapter 5; Proteins: Higher Orders of Structure