Abstract
ZINC is known to be a component of carbonic anhydrase1 and is thought to be part of uricase2. It also is a non-specific divalent activator of several other enzymes. The striking effect of zinc deficiency on organic acid formation by fungi (‘zinc shunt’) has recently been reviewed3. Some older evidence in the literature and a generalized interpretation given for the zinc effect made it possible to predict4 that similar effects would be obtained with deficiencies of other nutrient elements. This has been confirmed5.
This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution
Access options
Subscribe to this journal
Receive 51 print issues and online access
$199.00 per year
only $3.90 per issue
Buy this article
- Purchase on Springer Link
- Instant access to full article PDF
Prices may be subject to local taxes which are calculated during checkout
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Keilin, D., and Mann, T., Biochem. J., 34, 1163 (1940).
Baldwin, E. “Dynamic Aspects of Biochemistry” (Macmillan, New York, 1947).
Foster, J. W., “Chemical Activities of Fungi” (Academic Press, New York, 1949).
Foster, J. W., ibid., pp. 166, 272, 276, 394–395, and especially 167.
Chesters, C. G. C., and Robinson, G. N., Nature, 165, 851 (1950).
Steinberg, R. A., J. Agric. Res., 51, 413 (1935).
Foster, J. W., and Davis, J. B., J. Bact., 56, 329 (1948).
Foster, J. W., and Davis, J. B., Arch. Biochem., 21, 135 (1949).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
FOSTER, J., DENISON, F. Role of Zinc in Metabolism. Nature 166, 833–834 (1950). https://doi.org/10.1038/166833a0
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/166833a0
Comments
By submitting a comment you agree to abide by our Terms and Community Guidelines. If you find something abusive or that does not comply with our terms or guidelines please flag it as inappropriate.