Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Selenium is a vital trace mineral incorporated into selenoproteins as selenocysteine. These enzymes play vital roles in antioxidant defense and thyroid hormone metabolism.
Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
1. Thyroxine (\(T_4\)) is the major secretory product of the thyroid gland, but it is a prohormone.
2. For physiological activity, \(T_4\) must be converted into the active form, triiodothyronine (\(T_3\)).
3. This conversion involves the removal of a 5'-iodine atom from the outer ring of \(T_4\).
4. This reaction is catalyzed by Iodothyronine 5'-deiodinase (types I, II, and III), which is a key selenium-dependent enzyme (selenoprotein).
5. Other options like Thioredoxin reductase and Glutathione peroxidase are also selenoproteins, but they function in redox regulation and antioxidant defense rather than thyroid hormone conversion.
Step 4: Final Answer
The correct option is (D).