Essential Mineral Elements: Definition, Function, Types

What Are Mineral Elements?

Mineral elements are otherwise known as inorganic substances that turn out to be essential for living organisms to perform physiological functions. They participate in the maintenance of an organism's cells, tissues, and organs and assist a large array of biochemical processes. They do not, however, serve as sources of energy. Mineral elements could be equated with nutrient requirements in promoting growth, development, and normal health.

Besides all these, minerals are also needed in forming bones and teeth, maintaining a balance of fluids, contracting muscles, and transmitting nerve impulses. Enzymes and hormones largely depend on minerals as a part of them; they enhance the metabolism and activity of the cells. Deficiencies arise in many disorders of the organism.

Mineral elements fall into two major groups: macronutrients and micronutrients. Macronutrients are required in relatively large amounts, for example, calcium, phosphorus, and potassium. Micronutrients are those required in smaller quantities yet are equally essential, such as iron, zinc, and iodine.

Classification Of Minerals

Minerals are broadly divided into the following categories based on the amount required by the body:

• Macronutrients: Required in larger amounts

• Micronutrients: Required in smaller amounts

Macronutrients and Their Functions

Macro means that the body needs them in a larger amount. They are required in all physiological activities.

Calcium (Ca)

• It is responsible for bone and teeth formation, blood clotting, muscle contraction, and nerve transmission.

• The sources of calcium are dairy products, green leafy vegetables, almonds, and tofu.

• The deficiency symptoms are osteoporosis, rickets, and muscle cramps.

Phosphorous (P)

• Its functions are in energy production - ATP, maintenance of the bone and teeth, and cellular repair.

• The sources of this mineral are meat, milk, nuts, seeds, and whole grains.

• Weakness, bone pain, rickets.

Potassium (K)

• Its functions include nerve function, muscle contraction, fluid balance.

• The sources are bananas, oranges, potatoes, and spinach.

• The deficiency symptoms are weakness, muscle cramps, and an irregular heartbeat.

Sulfur (S)

• The functions are protein synthesis, enzyme function, and detoxification.

• A source of this nutrient is in meat, fish, and eggs as well as in garlic and onions.

• Deficiency symptoms are joint pain, muscle weakness, skin problems.

Sodium (Na)

• The functions are fluid balance, nerve function, muscle contraction.

• This nutrient can be found in nuts, seeds, whole grains, and leafy greens.

• Deficiency symptoms are muscle cramps, mental disorders, osteoporosis.

Chlorine (Cl)

• The functions are fluid balance, digestion (it is a component of hydrochloric acid in the stomach).

• It can be found in table salt, seaweed, and tomatoes.

• Deficiency Symptoms are anemia, fatigue, weakened immunity.

Micronutrients and Their Functions

Micronutrients are minerals that are only required in minute quantities but are also engaged in multiple bodily processes, including the activities of enzymes.

Zinc (Zn)

• Functions include immune function, protein synthesis, wound healing.

• The sources are meat, shellfish, legumes, and seeds.

• Deficiency Symptoms are growth retardation, alopecia, slow wound healing.

Copper (Cu)

• Its function includes iron metabolism, connective tissue formation, antioxidant defence.

• Sources: Shellfish, nuts, seeds, whole grains.

• Deficiency Symptoms: Anemia, bone abnormalities, cardiovascular problems.

Iodine (I)

• Functions include thyroid hormone production, metabolic regulation.

• The sources are iodized salt, seafood, and dairy products.

• Deficiency Symptoms: Goiter, hypothyroidism, developmental issues.

Selenium (Se)

• Functions include antioxidant protection, thyroid function, immune response.

• The sources are Brazil nuts, seafood, meat, eggs.

• Deficiency symptoms are Keshan disease, immune dysfunction, thyroid issues.

Molybdenum (Mo)

• The functions are enzyme function, detoxification.

• The sources are legumes, grains, nuts.

• Deficiency symptoms are rare, metabolic issues, neurological symptoms.

Essential Mineral Elements In Plants

Mineral elements are indispensable for the growth, development, and overall well-being of plants to flourish. They are taken from the soil and participate in photosynthesis, transport, and structural integrity.

• Absorption of Mineral Elements

• Transport from root to shoot

• Role in metabolic processes

Absorption Of Mineral Elements By Plants

Plants normally take up minerals from the soil through their roots based on several processes of both active and passive transport.

• Root hairs which increase surface area

• Mycorrhizal associations enhance uptake

• Active transport processes

Functions Of Mineral Elements In Plants

The functions of mineral elements in plants are many and involve the synthesis of nutrients, cell division, and disease resistance in the development of plants.

• Photosynthesis and chlorophyll production

• Enzyme activation and activity

• Structural support and growth

Role Of Minerals Elements In Human Health

Essential minerals are vital for many functions of the body and hence for good health. Minerals contribute to the structural formation of the body and the proper functioning and regulation of a plethora of biological functions.

Common Mineral Deficiency Disorders

Due to the deficiency of vital minerals, it can cause various health disorders and symptoms and affect well-being and many different functions of the body.

Diagnosis And Treatment

Diagnosis and treatment of the deficiency includes:

• Diagnosis is done by blood or urine tests and dietary evaluation

• Treatment can be done by supplementation, balanced diet and fortification of food.

Minerals NEET MCQs (With Answers & Explanations)

The key concepts to be covered under this topic for different exams are:

• Classification of Minerals

• Deficiencies and Toxicity caused by Minerals

Practice Questions for NEET

Q1. Minerals are absorbed by plants in

1. Colloidal form

2. Ionic form

3. Precipitated form

4. None of these

Correct answer: 2) Ionic form

Explanation:

Minerals in the plant are taken up as ions from the soil into the roots. This is a result of both passive absorption when ions move through concentration gradients without utilizing energy, and active absorption, which requires using energy to force ions against their gradients. Ions of special importance are K⁺ (potassium), Ca²⁺ (calcium), and NO₃⁻ (nitrate). Root hairs increase the absorption efficiency, whereas mycorrhizal fungi also increase mineral absorption, which facilitates essential physiological processes and the neural well-being of plants.

Hence the correct answer is option 2) Ionic form.

Q2. Which of the following is not a criteria of essentiality of mineral nutrients?

1. Which of the following is not a criteria of essentiality of mineral nutrients?

2. The element must be directly involved in the metabolism

3. In the absence of element, no disorder or malformation in plant should occur

4. The requirement of element must be specific

Correct answer: 3) In the absence of element, no disorder or malformation in plant should occur

Explanation:

The criteria of essentiality are as follows.

1. The element must be necessary for supporting normal growth and reproduction. In the absence of the element, the plants do not complete their life cycle or set the seeds.

2. The requirement of the element must be specific and not replaceable by another element. In

other words, deficiency of any one element cannot be met by supplying some other element.

3. The element must be directly involved in the metabolism of the plant.

4. In the absence of an element a disorder or malformation in plants occur

Hence the correct answer is option 3) In the absence of an element, no disorder or malformation in the plant should occur.

Q3. The technique of growing plants in a liquid nutrient solution is called

1. Mineral nutrition

2. Hydroponics

3. Aeroponics

4. Both a and b

Correct answer: 2) Hydroponics

Explanation:

Hydroponics is a method of growing plants without soil, using a nutrient-rich water solution to supply the essential nutrients required for plant growth. The roots of the plants are submerged in this nutrient solution, allowing them to absorb water and nutrients directly. Hydroponics can be used to grow a wide variety of plants, including vegetables, herbs, and even fruits, in environments where soil may not be available or suitable for traditional farming. This method offers several benefits, such as faster plant growth, efficient use of water, and the ability to grow in controlled environments like greenhouses or indoors.

Hence the correct answer is option 2) Hydroponics.

Also Read:

• MCQs on Essential Mineral Nutrients in Plants

• Fate of Ammonia

• Nitrogen Metabolism

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