How does the use of AAS show the function of trace elements in the body?

Question

I understand how Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy can be used to find trace elements within the body, but not how that data can be used to find the function of that trace element.

Answer 1

Well, I don't know for the human body, but I have some vague idea of how atomic absorption spectroscopy works.

It might be possible to make out the functions in the body by seeing what organ or tissue r they getting concentrated in, or may be by knowing what fraction of the cell (which organelle) are thy found most abundantly in. Say if in mitochondrion, then in respiration, or if in lysosomes, then in digestion. But, more importanlty, I doubt if this technique must be actually used in elucidating the functions of trace elements, for the absorption spectra of an element & the compunds it forms must be different, and whenever an element "functions", it does so by participating in chemical reactions, right?

Hope, I'm making sense. Please do let me know if u come across a convincing answer.

Bye. TC.

Answer 2

Function can be understood only by using radioactive isotope of the element.