13. TRACE ELEMENTS AND RADIOACTIVE ISOTOPES Flashcards
1
Q
- What is an essential element?
A
- it is an element that is required for life
- an absence of this element results in death
- they play a key role in a variety of processes necessary for life
- they mediate vital biochemical reactions
2
Q
- Which elements make up 96% of matter?
A
- Carbon (C)
- Hydrogen (H)
- Oxygen (O)
- Nitrogen (N)
3
Q
- How much of trace elements is required by organisms?
A
- less than 0.01%
- they are required in very small amounts
4
Q
- Name 10 important trace elements in the human body?
A
- iron
- iodine
- zinc
- selenium
- manganese
- copper
- fluorine
- molybdenum
- chromium
- cobalt
5
Q
- What is iodine an essential trace element for?
A
- for the synthesis of thyroid hormones
- these are thyroxine (T4)
- and triiodothyronine (T3)
6
Q
- What is the function of the thyroid hormones (T3 and T4)?
A
- they regulate the metabolic pattern of most cells
- they play a vital role in the processes of early growth
- they play a vital role in the processes of development of most organs (especially the brain)
7
Q
- What happens if a person suffers from an iodine deficiency?
A
- it can result in goitre
- this is the abnormal enlargement of thyroid gland
- the thyroid enlarges in size
- this is under the influence of the Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
- this hormone is secreted from the pituitary gland
8
Q
- How does iodine reach the thyroid gland?
A
- iodine is sent to the thyroid gland by the Thyroid stimulating hormone
- this is controlled by the hypothalamus
9
Q
- What is the most common cause of goitre?
A
- a lack of iodine in the diet
- this is a preventable cause of an intellectual disability
- iodine deficiency is common in areas with little to no accessible iodine
- such as: remote islands, mountainous regions
10
Q
- What are some foods that are rich in iodine?
A
- seaweed
- tuna
- cod
- shrimp
- milk
- yoghurt
- cheese
- iodised salt
- eggs
- dried plums
11
Q
- What are the 10 symptoms of having an iodine Deficiency?
A
- swelling in the neck (goitre)
- fatigue and weakness
- dry, flaky skin
- changes in heart rate
- problems during pregnancy
(there is an insufficient supply of thyroid hormones to the developing brain of the foetus.)
(this could result in an intellectual disability) - unexpected weight gain
- hair loss
- feeling colder than usual
- trouble learning and remembering
- heavy or irregular periods
12
Q
- What is anaemia?
A
- it is a common type of iron deficiency
- it is a condition in which the blood lacks adequate healthy red blood cells
13
Q
- What is the function of red blood cells?
A
- they carry oxygen to the body’s tissues with the help of haemoglobin
- iron is a part of the haemoglobin structure
14
Q
- What are some dietary sources of iron?
A
- legumes
(beans, lentils, chickpeas, peas, soybeans) - liver
- oysters
- shellfish
- clams
- muscles
- spinach
- broccoli
- dried fruits
- eggs
- iron-fortified cereals
- red meat
- poultry
15
Q
- What are 10 symptoms of anaemia?
A
- extreme fatigue
- weakness
- pale skin
- brittle nails
- chest pain and a fast heartbeat
- shortness of breath
- headache and dizziness
- cold hands and feet
- mouth ulcers
- unusual cravings for non-nutritive subtsances
(ice, dirt, starch)
16
Q
- What is zinc involved in?
A
- numerous aspects of cellular metabolism
- it is required for the catalytic reactions of approximately 100 enzymes
17
Q
- What are the functions of Zinc?
A
- it plays a role in:
- immune function
- protein synthesis
- wound healing
- DNA synthesis
- cell division
- normal growth
- development
18
Q
- What are 8 symptoms of Zinc Deficiency?
A
- eye lesions
- skin lesions and inflammation
- poor wound healing
- reduced resistance to infections
- mental confusion
- poor learning abilities
- changes in hair and nails
- anaemia
19
Q
- Where is 95% of Fluorine found in the human body?
A
- in the bones
- in the teeth
- it is found as CaF2
20
Q
- What is Fluorine?
A
- it is a trace mineral
- only a few milligrams per day are needed