Which of the following physiological processes is zinc primarily involved in?
(A) Regulation of protein synthesis

(B) Activation of vitamin D

(C) Conversion of carbohydrates into energy

(D) DNA synthesis and cell division

(E) Modulation of neurotransmitter release
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Correct option is A

Zinc plays a crucial role in various biological functions:
1. (A) Regulation of protein synthesis:
· Zinc is essential for the function of ribosomes and various enzymes involved in protein synthesis.
2. (B) Activation of vitamin D:
· Zinc activates vitamin D, which is necessary for calcium absorption and bone health.
3. (D) DNA synthesis and cell division:
· Zinc is required for DNA synthesis and is essential for cell division, which is vital for growth, immune function, and tissue repair.
However, while zinc is important for neurotransmitter release, its primary functions are not directly related to carbohydrate conversion into energy.
Information Booster:
· Zinc and Protein Synthesis: Zinc is involved in many enzymatic processes and catalyzes reactions necessary for the formation of proteins.
· Zinc and Vitamin D Activation: Zinc enhances the activity of the enzyme 25-hydroxyvitamin D3-1α-hydroxylase, which activates vitamin D.
· Zinc in DNA Synthesis: Zinc is a cofactor for DNA polymerases and plays a vital role in mitosis and cellular replication.
Additional Knowledge:
· (B):Carbohydrate conversion into energy is more reliant on magnesium and other enzymes, not zinc.
· (C): Zinc does not directly modulate neurotransmitter release, although it plays a secondary role in neurological function.