Question

The role of minor elements in living organisms is to act as
A. Co-factors of enzymes
B. Binder of cell structure
C. Constituent of hormones
D. Building blocks of important amino acids

Answer 1

Hint:
The mineral nutrients can be categorized into macronutrients and micronutrients. Macronutrients are needed in high concentration by the body. For example, phosphorous, sodium, and magnesium. Micronutrients are needed in low concentration. For example, selenium, iodine, and cobalt.

Complete step by step answer:
Macronutrients provide energy to plants and are needed in larger quantities to maintain their growth and development. These elements are required for crops. Nitrogen is one of the important microelements which is the constituent of hormones. Macro elements such as carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen are the building blocks of amino acids. They act as binders of cell structure.
Minor elements are only required in tiny quantities. Manganese, iron, molybdenum, copper, zinc, boron, nickel, and chlorine are some important microelements. They are important for the proper development and growth of an organism. Copper helps in oxidation-reduction reactions, where they have a variable valency. The action of some enzymes such as salivary amylase is improved by the chloride ion. Zinc acts as a cofactor for alcohol dehydrogenase and carbonic anhydrase to function. Several other enzymes involved in respiration, nitrogen metabolism, and photosynthesis are activated by manganese.

Option ‘A’ is correct

Note:
The most important role of manganese is to split water to release oxygen during photosynthesis. Chlorine helps in anion cation balance in cells, together with potassium and sodium, and assessing the solute concentration.