Molybdenum

Question 1

Transport of Molybdenum in the blood occurs through what two mechanisms?

Answer 1

Molybdate (MoO42+) or bound to albumin or alpha-2 macroglobulin

Question 2

Where is the majority of molybdenum concentrated?

Answer 2

Liver, kidneys, bone (approx 2mg)

Question 3

Molybdenum is part of a cofactor known as what?

Answer 3

Molybdopterin

Question 4

Molybdopterin is Molybdenum that is covalently bonded to what?

Answer 4

2 sulfur atoms of Pterin

Question 5

What are the two forms of Molybdopterin?

Answer 5

Molybdopterin - the DIOXO form

Molybdopterin - the OXOSULFIDO form

Question 6

The cofactor Molybdopterin can be found in 3 metalloenzymes which catalyze ox-red reactions, what are these metalloenzymes?

Answer 6

1. Sulfite oxidase
2. Aldehyde oxidase
3. Xanthine oxidase

Question 7

A mitochondrial intermembrane enzyme that catalyzed the terminal step in the metabolism of cysteine and methionine is known as what?

Answer 7

Sulfite oxidase

Question 8

What enzyme functions in the degradation of purines, such as adenine and guanine?

Answer 8

Xanthine oxidase

Question 9

What is Molybdenum excreted as, and how is it excreted?

Answer 9

Molybdate in the urine

Question 10

Molybdenum toxicity is relatively non-existent unless you are in a high occupational exposure group, what population is exposed to high levels of Molybdenum?

Answer 10

Miners

Question 11

Miners that have been exposed to high quantities of Molybdenum have developed what condition?

Answer 11

Gout

Question 12

What is the mechanism of action for development of gout?

Answer 12

Increased xanthine oxidase activity in turn causes an increase in uric acid production

Question 13

The tolerable upper limit for Molybdenum is usually set at…

Answer 13

2 mg/day