Biochemistry of Minerals Quiz

Which group of minerals is required in amounts greater than 100 mg/day?

Which element is important for the transmission of nerve impulses and contraction of muscles?

What deficiency causes tetany?

Which element enters the structure of bones and teeth?

Which element is an essential trace element that, if removed from the diet, produces a biochemical abnormality that is reversed by supplementation with the element?

What type of organic compounds are lipids mainly formed from?

Which of the following is classified as a simple lipid?

What is the common building block for most lipids?

Which of the following is a derived lipid?

Why are unsaturated fatty acids called 'unsaturated'?

What is the main linkage between alcohol and fatty acids in lipids?

Which of the following is classified as a compound or conjugated lipid?

What are eicosanoids?

What is the common building block for most lipids?

Why are unsaturated fatty acids called 'unsaturated'?

Mineral Requirements and Functions

Minerals required in amounts greater than 100 mg/day are known as macrominerals.
Calcium is crucial for the transmission of nerve impulses and muscle contraction.
Calcium deficiency can lead to tetany, characterized by muscle spasms and cramps.
Phosphorus is essential for the structure of bones and teeth, working in tandem with calcium.

Trace Elements and Dietary Importance

Zinc is an essential trace element; its absence in the diet can lead to biochemical abnormalities that can be reversed with supplementation.

Lipid Composition and Classification

Lipids are mainly formed from fatty acids and glycerol, which are key components in their structure.
Simple lipids are classified mainly as triglycerides, which consist of three fatty acids attached to glycerol.
The common building block for most lipids is glycerol, serving as a backbone for fatty acid attachment.
Derived lipids include compounds like steroids and prostaglandins, which are modified from fatty acids.

Fatty Acids and Lipid Linkages

Unsaturated fatty acids are labeled 'unsaturated' because they contain one or more double bonds between carbon atoms, preventing them from being saturated with hydrogen.
The main linkage between alcohol and fatty acids in lipids is an ester bond, formed during the dehydration synthesis of triglycerides.

Conjugated Lipids and Eicosanoids

Compound or conjugated lipids include phospholipids and glycolipids, which contain additional groups that make them complex.
Eicosanoids are signaling molecules derived from fatty acids, playing essential roles in inflammation and cellular communications.