*Vitamin C:** Crucial for the formation of hydroxylysine, a modified form of lysine that plays a vital role in the cross-linking process of elastin.
* **Copper:** A cofactor for the enzyme lysyl oxidase, which is essential for the cross-linking of elastin.
**The Process**
1. **Amino Acid Synthesis:** The body produces some amino acids, but others (essential amino acids) must be obtained from diet.
2. **Elastin Production:** Cells called fibroblasts synthesize elastin, using the amino acids mentioned above.
3. **Cross-linking:** Lysyl oxidase, with the help of copper, forms cross-links between lysine and hydroxylysine residues within the elastin molecule. These cross-links are what give elastin its unique elastic properties.
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