Question

Trace elements __________.

A) are required by an organism in minute quantities

B) are needed for detecting organisms in the environment

C) are generally found in small quantities in the earth and are also called rare elements

D) are primarily used for making silicon chips for computers

Answer 1

Trace elements are micronutrients required by an organism in minute quantities, performing critical roles in various biological processes as enzyme cofactors and are essential for health despite their small required amounts.

Step-by-step explanation:

Trace elements are required by an organism in minute quantities. They are essential micronutrients needed in small amounts but critical to numerous biological processes. Examples of trace elements include iron (Fe), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and manganese (Mn), among others. These elements often act as cofactors for enzymes, enabling important cellular reactions to occur. The roles of trace elements span various functions, such as oxygen transport, metabolism, and the maintenance of oxidative balance within cells.

Trace elements are different from non-essential elements, which may be present in tissues but have unclear or undefined functions. Although they are present in much smaller concentrations compared to macronutrients such as calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P), trace elements are indispensable for health and proper functioning of biological systems.

Examples illustrating the importance of trace elements include chromium (Cr) and zinc (Zn), which are necessary in the form of ions like Cr³+ and Zn²+ for the healthy functioning of the human body. These elements have specific roles, like impacting the regulation of glucose metabolism or being part of enzymes that repair genetic material.