Question

which of the following minerals is properly paired with its known function in the body?
check all that apply
potassium—red blood cell formation
magnesium—cofactor to speed up a chemical reaction
phosphorus—antioxidant
iron—component of hemoglobin
calcium—blood clotting
zinc—growth and development

Explanation:

• Potassium: Its main functions include maintaining fluid balance, nerve function, and muscle contractions, not red blood cell formation.
• Magnesium: It acts as a cofactor in many enzymatic reactions (which speed up chemical reactions in the body).
• Phosphorus: It is involved in energy metabolism (e.g., in ATP), bone health, and is a component of cell membranes, not acting as an antioxidant.
• Iron: It is a crucial component of hemoglobin (which carries oxygen in red blood cells).
• Calcium: It is involved in muscle contraction, nerve function, and blood - clotting (calcium ions play a role in the coagulation cascade).
• Zinc: It is important for growth and development, immune function, and wound healing.

Answer:

B. Magnesium—cofactor to speed up a chemical reaction, D. Iron—component of hemoglobin, E. Calcium—blood clotting, F. Zinc—growth and development