Ques. 1AIPMT 2003
The major role of minor elements inside living organisms is to act as
- co-factors of enzymes
- building blocks of important amino acids
- constituent of hormones
- binder of cell structure.
Answer
(1) co-factors of enzymes
Solution
Minor (trace) elements such as Zn, Mn, Cu, Mo are needed in very small amounts.
∵ They are not used as structural building material; most of them are metal ions bound to enzymes.
As per NCERT, cofactors may be metal ions, e.g. zinc is a cofactor for the proteolytic enzyme carboxypeptidase.
∴ The major role of minor elements is to act as co-factors (activators) of enzymes.
Answer: (1)