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Full-Text Articles in Molecular Biology
The Role Of Zip Superfamily Of Metal Transporters In Chronic Diseases, Purification & Characterization Of A Bacterial Zip Transporter: Zupt., Iryna King
Wayne State University Theses
In mammals zinc is the second most abundant essential trace metal. Since Zn2 is a small, hydrophilic, and a highly charged ion, it cannot be transported across the plasma or intracellular organelle membrane by passive diffusion. Different types of cells require a different constant concentration of zinc at all times. Presence of excess free Zn ions can be toxic to the cell. All cells must have tightly regulated homeostatic mechanisms in order to preserve healthy levels and proper compartmentalization of zinc. This is accomplished through the actions of specialized proteins that facilitate zinc uptake, efflux and compartmentalization. If the …