Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Copper is a chemical element with the symbol Cu (from Latin: cuprum) and atomic number 29. In biology, copper is an essential trace element that is vital to the health of all living things.
Related terms
Trace Elements: Elements required by an organism in only minute quantities.
Antioxidants: Compounds that inhibit oxidation, which can lead to cell damage and various diseases.
Iron Absorption: The process by which dietary iron is transported from the digestive tract into the bloodstream.