Define about the micro minerals, Biology

Assignment Help:

Define about the Micro Minerals?

Micro minerals are those minerals, which comprise less than 0.01% of the total body weight and are required in concentrations of one part per million or less. Initially, these minerals were also referred to as 'trace minerals' or 'trace elements' as their concentration in tissues were not easily quantified by early analytical methods. A trace element/mineral, as you may be aware, can be defined as a chemical element present in minute quantities; especially one used by organisms and held essential to their physiology. A micro mineral or a micro nutrient, on the other hand, is an organic compound essential in minute amounts for the growth and health of an animal.

Like macro minerals, micro minerals must also be present in the body in optimal range for normal functioning. Whenever, the concentration is too low or too high, the body functions are impaired. The functions and routes of metabolism for some micro elements are well established both in animals and humans while for others, the data are available only from animal studies. They normally function as a cation (ion with a positive charge) complexed with organic ligands or chelators. Proteins are the most important chelators. Besides these, porphyrin (the ring structure present in haemoglobin) and corrins (the ring structure in vitamin BI2) are other important chelators. As components of enzymes and proteins, these minerals frequently participate in redox reactions (reactions which involve the transfer of electrons) with the metal often functioning as the electron carrier. However, minerals such as zinc and manganese along with macro elements calcium and magnesium perform non-redox functions in proteins and enzymes. Since many of the micro minerals share common mechanism for absorption, they compete with each other for absorption in the small intestine. Thus, excess of one micro element can aggravate the deficiency of another. Iron and zinc are the best known examples.


Related Discussions:- Define about the micro minerals

Newton, meaning of the law of inertia

meaning of the law of inertia

Meal planning and nutrient needs of fast-growing infants, Define meal plann...

Define meal planning and nutrient needs of fast-growing infants? We just got to know the meal planning and nutrient needs of fast-growing infants and preschoolers in the previo

Cooking loss and quality of products, Coo k in g loss and quality Yi...

Coo k in g loss and quality Yields and cooking losses of products are important as these determine acceptability and economics of products. Higher cooking losses increase th

Explain receptor proteins, Explain Receptor Proteins These are built in...

Explain Receptor Proteins These are built into the membrane of a nerve cell and they detect chemical signals released by other nerve cells. Receptor proteins are involved in

Netlike membranous complex of superposed flat saccules, Q. A netlike membra...

Q. A netlike membranous complex of superposed flat saccules with vesicles detaching from the extremities seen in electronic microscopy. What is the observed structure? What is its

Parazoans and simplest metazoans, in what aspect are the cnidarians simila...

in what aspect are the cnidarians similar to the protozoans?

The eye, In the eyes light energy is converted to a generator potential in ...

In the eyes light energy is converted to a generator potential in which region

Clinical manifestation and diagnosis of pericardiocentesis, Clinical Manife...

Clinical Manifestation Occurs over an extended time period and mimic those of CHF and corpulmonale. Dyspnea on exertion, dependent odema, ascitis, fatigue, anorexia and weight

Explain human cells that produce proteins for exportation, What are some ex...

What are some examples of human cells that produce proteins for exportation? Which cytoplasmic organelle is expected to be well-developed and abundant in those cells? Specializ

Tanco beans plant, what are the origin, morphology, active constituents, us...

what are the origin, morphology, active constituents, uses and market preparation of tanco beans

Write Your Message!

Captcha
Free Assignment Quote

Assured A++ Grade

Get guaranteed satisfaction & time on delivery in every assignment order you paid with us! We ensure premium quality solution document along with free turntin report!

All rights reserved! Copyrights ©2019-2020 ExpertsMind IT Educational Pvt Ltd