BIOLOGY Volume 1 - A Guide to General Biology - 2004

8. HETEROTROPHIC NUTRITION

8.7. Human Nutrition

8.7.10. Mineral Elements

Minerals are inorganic substances that perform a wide range of Functions (Table 8.7). They are divided into two classes: Macronutrients and micronutrients. Macronutrients are required by humans in relatively large amounts, whereas micronutrients are needed in very small, or trace, quantities. The latter include manganese, copper, zinc, iodine, and several others.

Class="center">Table 8.7. Essential macronutrients and micronutrients required in A balanced diet, and their functions

Major macronutrients in order of their total Abundance in the body		Examples of functions
Calcium		Involved in Bone Formation
Phosphorus/phosphate		75% combined with calcium in bones and Teeth Synthesis of Nucleic Acids (DNA and RNA) Synthesis of ATP Synthesis of membrane Phospholipids
Sulfur		Found mainly as a constituent of the Amino Acids Cysteine and Methionine
Potassium		Required alongside sodium to maintain transmembrane electrical potential Conduction of nerve impulses
Sodium		Major component of extracellular fluid (tissue fluid) Helps maintain Water balance Involved in the conduction of nerve impulses Required alongside potassium to maintain the electrical potential across Cell membranes
Chlorine	Functions similar to those of sodium, though chlorine is not involved in Nerve Impulse Conduction Component of Hydrochloric acid in gastric juice
Magnesium	Present in bones and teeth
Iron	Constituent of the heme group in Hemoglobin and Myoglobin
Trace Elements in order of their total abundance in the body
Fluorine	Enhances the strength of bones and teeth, helping to prevent decay
Zinc	Component of bones and certain Enzymes
Copper	Constituent of cytochrome oxidase, an electron acceptor in Respiration
Iodine	Involved in the Synthesis of the hormone thyroxine
Manganese	Constituent of certain enzymes involved in respiration and bone development
Chromium	Involved in glucose utilization
Cobalt	Constituent of vitamin B₁₂

Last update: 06/08/2026

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