Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
What is one of the major roles of calcium ($\mathrm{Ca^{2+}}$) in the body?
A
Acting as a secondary messenger in signal transduction pathways
B
Encoding genetic information in the nucleus
C
Catalyzing the synthesis of proteins at ribosomes
D
Serving as the primary energy source for cellular respiration
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the role of calcium ($\mathrm{Ca^{2+}}$) in biological systems. Calcium ions are essential for various physiological processes, including muscle contraction, blood clotting, and intracellular signaling.
Focus on the concept of signal transduction pathways. These pathways involve the transmission of signals from the cell surface to the interior, often using secondary messengers like calcium ($\mathrm{Ca^{2+}}$).
Eliminate incorrect options: Calcium ($\mathrm{Ca^{2+}}$) does not encode genetic information in the nucleus, as this is the role of DNA and RNA. It also does not catalyze protein synthesis at ribosomes, which is facilitated by ribosomal RNA and enzymes. Lastly, calcium is not a primary energy source for cellular respiration; ATP serves this role.
Recognize that calcium ($\mathrm{Ca^{2+}}$) acts as a secondary messenger in signal transduction pathways. It helps relay signals within the cell, often by binding to proteins like calmodulin, which then activate other cellular processes.
Conclude that the correct answer is: 'Acting as a secondary messenger in signal transduction pathways,' based on the biological role of calcium ($\mathrm{Ca^{2+}}$) in intracellular signaling.