Metals Flashcards
Are metals essential to the proper functioning of living organisms?
Yes
What are major elements?
Metals or elements are needed in large amounts
What are some examples of major elements?
Magnesium, iron, calcium, sodium and potassium
What are trace or minor elements?
Elements that are required in minute quantities
What are some examples of trace elements?
Copper, manganese, molybdenum and cobalt
What do trace elements do?
They act as coenzymes and cofactors
Are trace elements necessary for life?
Yes, without them, certain enzymes cannot work
What does the term “importance” mean in Chemistry?
The beneficial effects as well as the harmful effects
What is the benefit of magnesium in living systems?
It is part of chlorophyll, the green pigment that carries out photosynthesis; part of bone and teeth structure
What is the benefit of iron in living systems?
It is part of haemoglobin, the oxygen carrier in red blood cells
What is the benefit of calcium in living systems?
It is necessary for formation of bones and teeth in animals as well as the cell walls in plants
What is the benefit of potassium and sodium in living systems?
They assist in the transmission of nerve impulses
What is the benefit of copper and manganese in living systems?
They assist enzymes in respiration
What is the benefit of molybdenum in living systems?
It has the growth factor necessary for bone development
What is the benefit of cobalt in living systems?
It helps with the necessary for formation of red blood cells
Will it have no effect if you over use a useful metal?
No, overuse or misuse of useful metals can result in harmful effects
Is there any metals that are toxic to living organisms?
Yes, mercury, lead, aluminum, and cadmium are some.
What are the sources of mercury?
Fossil fuel burning, dental fillings, large fish, canned tuna, manufacture of chlorine and cement, water paints, pesticides, fungicides, fabric softeners, adhesives and fertilizers.
What are the symptoms of toxicity of mercury?
Nervousness, irritability, personality changes, muscle tremors, inflammation of the mouth and gums, excessive flow of saliva, loosening of teeth, kidney damage.
Mental changes, speech disturbances, tremors, abnormal heart rhythms, bone disorders, anaemia, and the killing liver cells are the symptoms of toxicity of what?
Aluminum
Are heavy metals usually toxic or non-toxic?
They are usually more toxic then other metals.
Can a small amount of a metal be as toxic as a lot of that metal?
No, usually only a large quantity is toxic to living organisms
What kind of metals are usually heavy metals?
Transition metals.
Coal burning, zinc manufacture, electroplating, fertilizers, and cigarettes are sources of….
Cadmium
