Question

Among the ions present which is maximum in a normal human body?
(A) Potassium
(B) Sodium
(C) Iron
(D) Copper

Answer 1

Hint: Human body comprises many mechanisms that are run by different ions. Potassium and sodium are major parts of the Sodium-Potassium pump, that is Na-K pump, that prevents cells from swelling and bursting also, it conducts nerve impulse transmission. Iron is found in blood haemoglobin and copper is a part of Vitamin which helps in the synthesis of haemoglobin.

Complete step by step solution:
Potassium ions are present maximum in the normal human body.
The human body is 99% composed of six elements: oxygen, carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, calcium and phosphorus. Only about 0.85% is composed of another five elements: Potassium, sulfur, chlorine and magnesium.
The Na-K ATPase enzyme is active (that is it uses energy from ATP). For every ATP molecule that the pump uses, three sodium ions are exported and two potassium ions are imported; there is hence a net export of a single positive charge per pump cycle. The Na-K ATPase helps maintain resting potential, affects transport, and regulates cellular volume. For neurons, the Na-K ATPase can be responsible for up to 3/4 of the cell's energy expenditure.
The human body is composed of 0.4% of potassium.

Therefore, the correct answer is (A) option.

Note: Cobalt is also an essential trace element for humans and is found at the centre of vitamin ${{B}_{12}}$ and a range of other co-enzymes called cobalamins. Even though the body contains only 2–5 mg of vitamin ${{B}_{12}}$, its involvement in the production of red blood cells means it is vital to life.