Biological Aspects of Copper

Abstract Copper is an essential element for human life. This metal participates in multiple cellular processes, including energy metabolism, antioxidant activity, neurotransmitters, and tissues synthesis. Copper deficit or surfeit can affect different organ systems leading to disease such as diabetes, cardiovascular system, Alzheimer diseases, angiogenesis, some forms of cancer. Menkes and Wilson diseases are genetic disorders related to copper deficit and excess, respectively. In addition to its health-related properties, the metal has industrial and biotechnological applications. Copper is used to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and for its bacteriostatic properties to control bacteria and other pathogens in agriculture and aquaculture—positioning copper as an important metal contributing to improve human living standards and quality of life. On the other hand, residues from copper industrial processes can lead to serious environmental problems. The physiological importance of copper and its relationship to the environment and human health will be addressed in this chapter.