Question
Biology Question on Essential Mineral Elements
Which of the following is a macronutrient?
A
calcium
B
chlorine
C
zinc
D
manganese
Answer
calcium
Explanation
Solution
Calcium is a macronutrient. Nutrients are the chemical substances required by our body for performing vital functions. Some of these nutrients are required in small amounts while some are needed in larger amounts. Depending upon this, the essential nutrients required by the body are categorized into two types:
- Macronutrients - The nutrients which are required by the body in larger amounts are termed as macronutrients. For example, proteins, calcium, fats etc.
- Micronutrients - The nutrients required by the body in small amounts but are essential, are called as micronutrients. For example, vitamins, minerals etc.
Macronutrients mainly serves to provide energy while micronutrients prevents deficiency diseases like night-blindness, scurvy etc.