Biology: Iron and Zinc Functions
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Questions and Answers

What is the primary source of iron utilized in the body?

  • Recycled from the breakdown of red blood cells (correct)
  • Dietary intake
  • Produced in the liver
  • Derived from hemoglobin

    • What is the role of zinc in DNA synthesis?

  • It helps fold the protein tightly around the DNA helix
  • It is a cofactor for enzymes involved in DNA synthesis (correct)
  • It acts as a catalyst for the reaction
  • It donates electrons to facilitate the process

    • What is the effect of a zinc deficiency in infants and children?

  • It leads to an increase in energy metabolism
  • It blunts growth (correct)
  • It causes hair loss and skin sores
  • It results in anemia

    • What is the role of iodine in the body?

    <p>It is essential for the synthesis of thyroid hormone</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the effect of a severe zinc deficiency in adults?

    <p>It causes hair loss, diarrhea, skin sores, and loss of appetite</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the function of zinc fingers in DNA synthesis?

    <p>They stick to DNA and help copy its code</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the biologically active form of thiamine?

    <p>Thiamin pyrophosphate (TPP)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the result of thiamine deficiency on cellular function?

    <p>Impaired cellular function</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of thiamine in energy metabolism?

    <p>Metabolism of carbohydrate and branched-chain amino acids</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the consequence of excessive thiamine consumption?

    <p>Increased excretion in the urine</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the relationship between thiamine and exercise?

    <p>Exercise increases thiamine need</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common deficiency disease associated with thiamine deficiency?

    <p>Beriberi</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a consequence of magnesium deficiency?

    <p>Cramping</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of phosphorus in the body?

    <p>To make the calcium phosphate in bones and DNA</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Iron is a key component of which proteins in the electron transport chain?

    <p>Proteins containing iron-sulfur clusters</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a rare occurrence?

    <p>Phosphorus deficiency in adults</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of magnesium in metabolic reactions?

    <p>To participate as a cofactor in hundreds of metabolic reactions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Where can phosphorus be found in the diet?

    <p>In legumes, grains, meat, milk, and soft drinks</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Iron

    • Essential for metabolic reactions primarily in the liver, aiding detoxification.
    • Crucial for DNA synthesis and the majority of body iron is recycled from red blood cell breakdown.
    • Key component of hemoglobin in red blood cells, facilitating oxygen transport.
    • Integral to numerous metabolic enzymes, especially in the electron transport chain for ATP synthesis.

    Zinc

    • Acts as a cofactor for over 200 enzymes, essential for RNA, DNA, and protein synthesis.
    • Zinc fingers are protein regions that bind to DNA, assisting in genetic code copying.
    • Involved in energy metabolism; deficiency in infants and children impacts growth.
    • Cereal grains and vegetables contain phytates that inhibit zinc absorption in the gut.
    • Severe deficiency in adults results in hair loss, diarrhea, skin sores, appetite loss, and weight loss.
    • Zinc is vital for synthesizing heme in hemoglobin; inadequate zinc intake can lead to anemia.

    Iodine

    • A trace mineral essential for thyroid hormone synthesis.
    • Regulates basal metabolism, growth, and development; an important mineral for overall health.

    Thiamin (Vitamin B1)

    • Thiamin pyrophosphate (TPP) is the active form, crucial for carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism.
    • Plays a role in DNA and RNA production and neurotransmitter synthesis.
    • Water-soluble; excess is excreted, necessitating regular intake, especially during exercise.
    • Deficiency can lead to reduced ATP production and impaired cellular function.
    • Associated with beriberi (muscle wasting, nerve damage) and Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome (memory impairment, nerve damage).

    Vitamin B12

    • Malabsorption more common in elderly individuals due to aging-related digestive issues, impacting overall health.

    Magnesium

    • Eleventh most abundant element in the human body, acts as a cofactor in hundreds of metabolic reactions.
    • Forms a complex with ATP, involved in energy synthesis, including carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, RNA, and DNA.
    • Necessary for muscle relaxation post-contraction; deficiency can result in muscle cramping.

    Phosphorus

    • Enters the body mainly as phosphate (PO4) and found in legumes, grains, meat, milk, and soft drinks.
    • Essential for forming calcium phosphate in bones, DNA components, phospholipids, and ATP.
    • Deficiency is rare but can lead to weakness, poor bone health, and bone pain.

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    Description

    This quiz covers the roles of iron and zinc in the human body, including their involvement in metabolic reactions, DNA synthesis, and enzyme function.

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