Question

What are micronutrients? Write two examples of it.

Answer 1

Hint: The nutrients that are required by the body in small amounts for growth and development are known as micronutrients. Micronutrients are required by both plants and animals. They include vitamins and minerals.

Complete answer:
• Human body needs two types of nutrients. Some nutrients are needed by the body in large amounts. These are called macronutrients. Other nutrients are needed by the body in small amounts. These are called micronutrients.
• Both macro and micronutrients are important for the body. Macronutrients provide the body with calories, while micronutrients help the body in performing various functions like metabolism.
• Macronutrients include proteins, carbohydrates and fats. Micronutrients include vitamins and minerals.

Examples of micronutrients are as follows:
> Vitamins: They are organic compounds that are essential for the body. They are divided into water soluble and fat soluble vitamins. Most of the vitamins can be dissolved in water i.e. they are water soluble. These vitamins cannot be stored in the body. Fat soluble vitamins dissolve in fat but not in water. These vitamins can be stored within the body inside liver and fatty tissues. Vitamins like A, D, E and K are examples of fat soluble vitamins.
> Minerals: They are divided into macrominerals and trace minerals. Macrominerals are micronutrients but they are required in higher amounts than trace minerals. Minerals like calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, chloride, potassium, sulphur, etc. are included in macrominerals. Minerals like copper, zinc, iodine, manganese, boron, fluoride, selenium etc. are included in trace minerals.

• The micronutrients in plants include minerals like boron, chlorine, copper, zinc, iron, molybdenum, manganese etc. Plants get these nutrients from soil.

Note: Micronutrients are important for the growth and development of plants and animals. Deficiency of micronutrients can result in various diseases. In humans, deficiency of vitamins and minerals can cause diseases like anemia, rickets, mental retardation, goitre, vision problems, etc. In plants, micronutrients deficiency can result in stunted growth, necrosis, chlorosis etc.