Biology

Minerals and Nutrients

936 Questions

Review essential biology concepts regarding minerals and nutrients in this question bank. It covers trace elements required by plants and minerals crucial for human blood and bone formation. These facts frequently appear in general science exams.

Essential plant micronutrientsChlorophyll synthesis elementsHuman blood and bone mineralsTrace elements in physiology

Minerals and Nutrients Questions

Multiple choice

Which of the following is the most abundant element found in plants?

  1. Carbon

  2. Nitrogen

  3. Iron

  4. Manganese
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Carbon is the most abundant element in plants by mass, constituting approximately 45% of plant dry weight. This is because plants are primarily composed of carbon-based compounds like cellulose, lignin, and other organic molecules built through photosynthesis. While nitrogen, iron, and manganese are essential nutrients, they are required in much smaller quantities than carbon.

Multiple choice

Which of the following elements is essential for root growth?

  1. Zn

  2. Ca

  3. Mo

  4. S
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Calcium is essential for root growth as it promotes cell elongation and division in root meristems. It strengthens cell walls and membranes, enabling roots to elongate properly. Zinc is important for enzyme function but not specifically for root growth, while molybdenum and sulfur have other primary roles in plant metabolism.

Multiple choice

Which of the following elements is useful in seed germination?

  1. Iron

  2. Boron

  3. Magnesium

  4. Zinc
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Boron plays a critical role in seed germination by facilitating cell division and elongation in the emerging embryo. It's particularly important for pollen tube growth and sugar transport during germination. While iron, magnesium, and zinc are essential for various plant processes, boron has a more direct involvement in the early stages of seed development.

Multiple choice

Four important mineral nutrients required in large quantities by humans are

  1. calcium, sulphur, molybdenum and zinc

  2. nitrogen, potassium, manganese and cobalt

  3. phosphorus, calcium, sodium and magnesium

  4. potassium, copper, manganese and calcium

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

The minerals required in large quantities (macrominerals) by humans include calcium, phosphorus, sodium, magnesium, potassium, and sometimes sulfur and chloride depending on classification system. Option C (phosphorus, calcium, sodium, magnesium) contains four well-established macrominerals. The other options mix major and trace minerals - zinc, molybdenum, manganese, cobalt, and copper are all trace minerals needed in much smaller amounts, while nitrogen is an element obtained from organic compounds rather than as a mineral nutrient.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is the most abundant element in the earth's crust?

  1. Oxygen

  2. Sulphur

  3. Potassium

  4. Magnesium
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Oxygen is the most abundant element in Earth's crust, comprising approximately 46-47% by mass. It is found in silicate minerals, oxides, water, and atmospheric oxygen. Silicon is the second most abundant (~28%), followed by aluminium (~8%), then iron (~5%). Sulphur, Potassium, and Magnesium are present in much smaller quantities.

Multiple choice

What are framework elements required for?

  1. Regulation of H+ ion concentration of the cell

  2. Regulation of osmotic pressure of the cell

  3. Production of carbohydrates

  4. To carry out some major catalysis reactions
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Framework elements are required for production of carbohydrates which enter into the composition of cell wall and protoplasm.