Question

Natural Mechanism in human body to inhibit the heavy metal ion poisoning is by:

• A. Cysteine
• B. Thioneins
• C. Glutathione
• D. 2,3 dimercaptoproponol

Hint:

"Thio" means sulfur—Thioneins are the body's sulfur-shield against heavy metals!

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Concept The human body has specific proteins designed to detoxify and regulate heavy metals like cadmium, mercury, and lead.

Step 2: Meaning These mechanisms often involve sulfur-rich molecules that can "chelate" or bind the metal ions tightly.

Step 3: Analysis Metallothioneins (often referred to as thioneins) are small, cysteine-rich proteins. Their high sulfur content allows them to bind heavy metals, preventing them from damaging essential enzymes. While glutathione and cysteine are involved, the specific biological "mechanism" protein is thionein. Option (D) is a synthetic drug (BAL), not a natural mechanism.

Step 4: Conclusion Thioneins are the natural biological answer to heavy metal detoxification. Final Answer: (B)