Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
Which of the following best describes vitamins and how they differ from minerals?
A
Vitamins are inorganic elements essential for bone structure, while minerals are organic molecules involved in enzyme activity.
B
Vitamins are macromolecules that provide structural support, while minerals are only needed for nerve impulses.
C
Vitamins are organic compounds required in small amounts for metabolism, while minerals are inorganic elements needed for various physiological functions.
D
Vitamins and minerals are both organic compounds that serve as energy sources for the body.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Begin by understanding the definitions of vitamins and minerals. Vitamins are organic compounds, meaning they contain carbon and are derived from living organisms. Minerals, on the other hand, are inorganic elements that do not contain carbon and are typically obtained from the earth (e.g., soil, water).
Step 2: Recognize the roles of vitamins in the body. Vitamins are required in small amounts and play crucial roles in metabolism, acting as coenzymes or precursors for enzyme activity. They do not provide energy but are essential for various biochemical processes.
Step 3: Understand the functions of minerals. Minerals are inorganic elements that are necessary for physiological functions such as bone structure (e.g., calcium), nerve impulses (e.g., sodium and potassium), and enzyme activity (e.g., magnesium and zinc).
Step 4: Compare the differences between vitamins and minerals. Vitamins are organic and involved in metabolic processes, while minerals are inorganic and contribute to structural and functional roles in the body.
Step 5: Eliminate incorrect statements based on the definitions and roles of vitamins and minerals. For example, vitamins are not macromolecules, nor do they provide structural support or serve as energy sources. Minerals are not organic molecules, and their primary role is not limited to nerve impulses.