Ask A Scientist Chemistry Archive

Question:
We are a fourth grade clas class studying crystals, minerals, and rocks.  We
would like to know how they put copper (mineral) into our Cherrios.
Thank you. Mrs. Bussler's Class

Answer:
Hmmmmmm...  As a biochemist, I could tell you how essential copper is
to our bodies, where it is, and what happens if you don't get enough,
but I never really thought how it gets into the Cheerios!  My initial
answer will be this:  cereals are made from grains, which are basically
plants.  The plants take in the copper from the ground while its growing.
It's sounding like a classic food chain example, isn't it?  Thus, when
the corn, wheat, rice, etc., are made into Cheerios, CocoPuffs, etc.,
the copper is already there from when the cereal was a plant.
Sound ok?
-Joe Schultz