Copper in the Human Body: Forms and Functions

There are two forms of copper that exist in the human body:

1. Cuprous ion (Cu+): This is the reduced form of copper with a +1 charge. It plays a crucial role in various enzymatic reactions and is essential for normal body function.

2. Cupric ion (Cu2+): This is the oxidized form of copper with a +2 charge. It is less commonly found in the body but can also participate in enzymatic reactions and other biological processes.