Metallotioneiner
Metallothioneins are a family of low molecular weight, cysteine-rich proteins found in the tissues of vertebrates, invertebrates, and plants. They are characterized by their high affinity for and ability to bind a variety of metal ions, particularly zinc, copper, cadmium, and mercury. This metal-binding capacity is due to the abundance of sulfhydryl groups present in the cysteine residues, which form coordinate bonds with the metal ions.
The primary functions of metallothioneins are believed to be related to metal homeostasis and detoxification. They
Metallothioneins are also implicated in cellular defense against oxidative stress. Their ability to bind reactive oxygen