Page 17 - Biology Form Two

Biology for Secondary Schools

Minerals Function of minerals
Minerals are inorganic elements that Most minerals are important for
come from the soil and water and are enzyme activities. Some minerals
absorbed and used by living organisms. are essential for maintaining balance
In animal nutrition, minerals fulfill of body fluids, development of
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multiple functions in the physiology of bone tissue, synthesis of hormones,
all systems. Different types of minerals activation of enzymes, transmission of
are needed for different activities in the nerve impulses, as well as contraction
body. These minerals are called essential and relaxation of muscles. Table 1.2
minerals. Examples of essential minerals shows examples of minerals, their
needed by the body include sodium, sources, functions, and deficiency
chlorine, potassium, calcium, phosphorus,
magnesium, sulphur, zinc, iodine, copper, symptoms in the body.
manganese and fluoride.

Table 1.2: Examples of minerals, their sources, functions and deficiency symptoms
Mineral Sources Functions Deficiency symptoms
Calcium Milk, yoghurt, (i) Helps build strong (i) Weak bones and
cheese, sardines, bones and teeth bleeding easily
eggs, and green (ii) Promotes nerve (ii) Impaired nerve
vegetables transmission activity
(iii) Helps in muscle
contraction
(iv) Important in
clotting blood

Phosphorus Meat, milk, fish, (i) Builds bones and Poor bone and teeth
eggs, and nuts teeth formation
(ii) Helps maintain
acid-base balance
(iii) Aids formation of
genetic materials

Potassium Peanuts, bananas, Helps maintain regular (i) Poor muscle
orange juice, meat, fluid balance needed for contraction
and green beans nerve and muscle function (ii) Impaired nerve
activity

Student’s Book - Form Two 11

05/10/2024 15:36:18
BIOLOGY FORM 2 NEW.indd 11
BIOLOGY FORM 2 NEW.indd 11 05/10/2024 15:36:18