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Britannica Sources used in this answer

Which body processes depend on zinc-containing digestive enzymes?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
A labeled diagram of the periodic table entry for zinc, showing its atomic number 30, symbol Zn, atomic weight 65.38, electron configuration, name, hexagonal crystal structure, solid state at room temperature, and classification as a transition metal.
zinc

Zinc-containing enzymes in the gastrointestinal tract are responsible for the digestion of protein.1

Beyond this specific digestive function, zinc serves as an essential trace element in the human body in several other ways:

  • Carbon Dioxide Metabolism: Zinc is a vital component of the enzyme carbonic anhydrase, which is found in high concentrations in red blood cells and promotes reactions related to carbon dioxide metabolism.1
  • Insulin Storage: Zinc present in the pancreas may assist in the storage of insulin.1
  • Structural and Regulatory Roles: Zinc acts as a constituent of numerous enzymes, plays a structural role in proteins, and helps regulate gene expression.2