Manganese is bound to manganese metalloproteins

Alex00122 Feb, 2023Science

Manganese is a chemical element with symbol Mn and atomic number 25. It is a hard, brittle, silvery metal that is usually found in minerals with iron. Manganese is a transition metal with many industrial alloying uses, especially in stainless steel. It improves strength, machinability and wear resistance. Manganese oxide is used as an oxidizing agent; as a rubber additive; and in glassmaking, fertilizers, and ceramics. Manganese sulfate can be used as a fungicide. Manganese is also an essential dietary element for humans and is important in macronutrient metabolism, bone formation and free radical defense. It is a key component of many proteins and enzymes. [3] It is found primarily in the bones, but also in the liver, kidneys and brain. [4] In the human brain, manganese is bound to manganese metalloproteins, most notably glutamine synthetase in astrocytes.