Question

The function of trace elements that occur in protoplast
A. Formation of enzymes
B. Formation of hormones
C. Formation of the hemoglobin
D. None of the above

Answer 1

Hint: Proteins are the building blocks of the human body and are responsible for the formation of various biochemical components of protoplasm.

Complete answer:
Trace elements are the elements occurring in a very minimal amount. The main constituents of the protoplasm include protein (9%), carbohydrate (2%), lipids (2%), DNA (0.4%), and RNA (0.7%). The trace elements in protoplast are mainly responsible for the production of enzymes.
Protoplast is simply defined as a cell without the cell wall. It is formed by cytoplasm, nucleus, and cell organelles. The cytoplasm or the protoplasm is a heterogeneous, translucent, semi-fluid mixture of small and large biomolecules. It contains macromolecules like proteins, lipids, polysaccharides, and components of nucleic acid like DNA, RNA, etc. along with micro molecules like ions, amino acids, and water. Water alone comprises about 85% of the total protoplast. Protoplast also comprises certain mineral ions in very trace amounts such as oxygen, nitrogen, carbon, hydrogen, sodium, potassium, etc.

So, the correct answer is ‘Formation of enzymes'.

Note:
- Nowadays, both cytoplasm and nucleoplasm are considered as protoplasm. Cytoplasm lies between the cell membrane and the nucleus. It is the site of major metabolic processes such as photosynthesis, Glycolysis, etc. It contains all the cell membranes of the cell. The nucleoplasm is present inside the nucleus and is the site of RNA synthesis.
- The hormones are produced in different glands if the body and are made up of protein (ADH), steroid (estrogen and progesterone), or amino acids (melatonin).
- The ‘globin’ part of hemoglobin is also derived from proteins.