描述
Selenium, also known as se(2-) or selenide ion, is a member of the class of compounds known as homogeneous other non-metal compounds. Homogeneous other non-metal compounds are inorganic non-metallic compounds in which the largest atom belongs to the class of 'other nonmetals'. Selenium can be found in a number of food items such as root vegetables, oxheart cabbage, persimmon, and irish moss, which makes selenium a potential biomarker for the consumption of these food products. Selenium exists in E.coli (prokaryote) and yeast (eukaryote). Selenium salts are toxic in large amounts, but trace amounts are necessary for cellular function in many organisms, including all animals. Selenium is an ingredient in many multivitamins and other dietary supplements, including infant formula. It is a component of the antioxidant enzymes glutathione peroxidase and thioredoxin reductase (which indirectly reduce certain oxidized molecules in animals and some plants). It is also found in three deiodinase enzymes, which convert one thyroid hormone to another. Selenium requirements in plants differ by species, with some plants requiring relatively large amounts and others apparently requiring none .