Minerals

Question 1

Which step in muscular contraction is Ca-dependent

Answer 1

when myosin head attaches to actin filament, causing release of phosphate

Question 2

when does malignant hyperthermia occur?

Answer 2

when muscles release excess Ca

Question 3

What is the drug treatment of malignant hyperthermia

Answer 3

dantrolene

Question 4

What are the toxicity symptoms of Ca overdose

Answer 4

constipation
kidney stones
interference with absorption of other minerals

Question 5

What are the functions of phosphorus

Answer 5

most kinase use phosphorus
component of DNA, RNA, ATP
fertiliser

Question 6

What are the four ways of getting phosphorus deficiency?

Answer 6

malnutrition
failure to absorb
excess excretion
re-feeding after malnutrition

Question 7

From which macronutrient can sulphur be derived from?

Answer 7

amino acids methionine and cysteine

Question 8

T/F hair contains a lot of sulphur

Answer 8

True, the disulphide bonds between filaments of keratin lock the curl into hair

Question 9

What’s the role of chloride in the body?

Answer 9

it is a counter ion, providing fluid balance

part of hydrochloric acid

Question 10

What’s the role of magnesium in the body

Answer 10

bone mineralisation
involved in enzyme systems
muscle contraction, nerve impulses, immune system

Question 11

What is a good source of magnesium?

Answer 11

dark green vegetable

Question 12

What is epsom salt?

Answer 12

it’s MgSO4, and a quick laxative

Question 13

Is magnesium supplement useful?

Answer 13

Yes, it is useful in relieving muscle cramps

Question 14

What is pica?

Answer 14

the urge to eat dirt (esp in children lacking iron)

Question 15

What’s the most important condition of iron deficiency?

Answer 15

microcystic anaemia

Question 16

Why should iron supplement be formulated with vitamin C

Answer 16

Vit C revert Iron 3+ to 2+. Body can only use 2+

Question 17

How does hereditary hemochrmatosis occur?

Answer 17

genetic lack of iron carrying and storing proteins

Question 18

What is the function of zinc?

Answer 18

part of enzymes like insulin
making proteins and genetic material
immune reaction
normal development of foetus

Question 19

What is the best source of zinc

Answer 19

oysters

Question 20

What is the function of copper?

Answer 20

it’s the final electron receptor

absorption of iron + formation of haemoglobin

Question 21

What kind of anaemia do you get with copper deficiency?

Answer 21

microcytic, because of impaired iron absorption

Question 22

What’s Menke’s disease?

Answer 22

mutation of ATP7A, so iron can be stored but not released, leading to copper deficiency

Question 23

What’s Wilson’s disease?

Answer 23

high serum copper + copper toxicity from overactive ATP7A

Question 24

What’s the classic symptom of Wilson’s disease?

Answer 24

coloured ring around the cornea

Question 25

What’s the function of manganese?

Answer 25

plants - splits water to free oxygen for photosynthesis

human - cofactor for several enzymes + bone formation

Question 26

what’s the primary function of selenium?

Answer 26

anti-oxidant + thyroid hormone formation (with iodine)

Question 27

What is the function of chromium?

Answer 27

enhances insulin action

Question 28

What is the function of molybdenum

Answer 28

cofactor for enzymes

Question 29

What is the function of fluoride?

Answer 29

maintains health of bones and teeth