Zinc is an essential mineral perceived by the public today as being of "exceptional biologic and public health importance", especially regarding prenatal and postnatal development. Zinc deficiency affects about two billion people in the developing world and is associated with many diseases. In children it causes growth retardation, delayed sexual maturation, infection susceptibility, and diarrhea. Enzymes with a zinc atom in the reactive center are widespread in biochemistry, such as alcohol dehydrogenase in humans. Consumption of excess zinc can cause ataxia, lethargy and copper deficiency. COUNT 8
QSN1 How many people are affected by zinc deficiency? ANS1 two billion QSN2 What can consumption of excess zinc cause? ANS2 ataxia, lethargy and copper deficiency QSN3 Where can you find enzymes with a zinc atom in the reactive center? ANS3 biochemistry, QSN4 What can a lack of zinc cause in children? ANS4 growth retardation, delayed sexual maturation, infection susceptibility, and diarrhea QSN5 What is extremely important to prenatal and postnatal development? ANS5 Zinc QSN6 What can cause symptoms in children ranging from diarrhea to retarded growth? ANS6 Zinc deficiency QSN7 In what substance can you find a zinc atom within its reactive center? ANS7 alcohol dehydrogenase QSN8 What causes symptoms such as lethargy and copper deficiency? ANS8 excess zinc