Metals

Question 1

Are metals essential to the proper functioning of living organisms?

Answer 1

Yes

Question 2

What are major elements?

Answer 2

Metals or elements are needed in large amounts

Question 3

What are some examples of major elements?

Answer 3

Magnesium, iron, calcium, sodium and potassium

Question 4

What are trace or minor elements?

Answer 4

Elements that are required in minute quantities

Question 5

What are some examples of trace elements?

Answer 5

Copper, manganese, molybdenum and cobalt

Question 6

What do trace elements do?

Answer 6

They act as coenzymes and cofactors

Question 7

Are trace elements necessary for life?

Answer 7

Yes, without them, certain enzymes cannot work

Question 8

What does the term “importance” mean in Chemistry?

Answer 8

The beneficial effects as well as the harmful effects

Question 9

What is the benefit of magnesium in living systems?

Answer 9

It is part of chlorophyll, the green pigment that carries out photosynthesis; part of bone and teeth structure

Question 10

What is the benefit of iron in living systems?

Answer 10

It is part of haemoglobin, the oxygen carrier in red blood cells

Question 11

What is the benefit of calcium in living systems?

Answer 11

It is necessary for formation of bones and teeth in animals as well as the cell walls in plants

Question 12

What is the benefit of potassium and sodium in living systems?

Answer 12

They assist in the transmission of nerve impulses

Question 13

What is the benefit of copper and manganese in living systems?

Answer 13

They assist enzymes in respiration

Question 14

What is the benefit of molybdenum in living systems?

Answer 14

It has the growth factor necessary for bone development

Question 15

What is the benefit of cobalt in living systems?

Answer 15

It helps with the necessary for formation of red blood cells

Question 16

Will it have no effect if you over use a useful metal?

Answer 16

No, overuse or misuse of useful metals can result in harmful effects

Question 17

Is there any metals that are toxic to living organisms?

Answer 17

Yes, mercury, lead, aluminum, and cadmium are some.

Question 18

What are the sources of mercury?

Answer 18

Fossil fuel burning, dental fillings, large fish, canned tuna, manufacture of chlorine and cement, water paints, pesticides, fungicides, fabric softeners, adhesives and fertilizers.

Question 19

What are the symptoms of toxicity of mercury?

Answer 19

Nervousness, irritability, personality changes, muscle tremors, inflammation of the mouth and gums, excessive flow of saliva, loosening of teeth, kidney damage.

Question 20

Mental changes, speech disturbances, tremors, abnormal heart rhythms, bone disorders, anaemia, and the killing liver cells are the symptoms of toxicity of what?

Answer 20

Aluminum

Question 21

Are heavy metals usually toxic or non-toxic?

Answer 21

They are usually more toxic then other metals.

Question 22

Can a small amount of a metal be as toxic as a lot of that metal?

Answer 22

No, usually only a large quantity is toxic to living organisms

Question 23

What kind of metals are usually heavy metals?

Answer 23

Transition metals.

Question 24

Coal burning, zinc manufacture, electroplating, fertilizers, and cigarettes are sources of….

Answer 24

Cadmium

Question 25

How are transition metals released into the environment?

Answer 25

By coal burning, zinc manufacture, electroplating, fertilisers, and cigarettes.

Question 26

How do transition metals become toxic to larger organism?

Answer 26

By accumulating in the environment and in the food chains until the levels become toxic

Question 27

What are the sources of lead?

Answer 27

Lead pipes in older houses, lead headed nails, cigarettes, solder, vehicle exhaust from leaded fuel, paints and crayons.

Question 28

Mental confusion, visual disturbances, loss of cognitive abilities, paralysis, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, severe abdominal pains and anaemia are the symptoms of toxicity of….

Answer 28

lead

Question 29

Deodorants, cooking utensils, baking powder, anti-caking agent in salt, soft drink cans, construction materials are the sources of what?

Answer 29

Aluminum

Question 30

What are the symptoms of toxicity of cadmium?

Answer 30

Extreme restlessness, irritability, headache, chest pain, increased salivation, vomiting, diarrhoea, throat dryness and coughing.