Question

Tooth enamel is made up of _____.

• A. calcium phosphate
• B. calcium carbonate
• C. calcium sulphate
• D. potassium chloride

Hint:

Tooth enamel is mainly composed of calcium phosphate, which makes teeth hard and strong.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Concept:
Tooth enamel is the hard outer protective covering of teeth. It is the hardest substance present in the human body. The major chemical component of tooth enamel is calcium phosphate, mainly in the crystalline form called hydroxyapatite. This compound provides hardness and strength to the teeth.

Step 1: Understanding the composition of tooth enamel.
Tooth enamel contains minerals that help protect teeth from wear and decay. The main mineral present is: \[ \text{Calcium phosphate} \] This mineral gives teeth:
• hardness,
• durability,
• resistance against damage. Hence, \[ \boxed{\text{Tooth enamel is mainly made of calcium phosphate}} \]

Step 2: Checking the remaining options.

• Calcium carbonate is present in chalk and limestone.
• Calcium sulphate is found in gypsum and plaster of Paris.
• Potassium chloride is a salt compound and is not related to tooth enamel. Therefore, the correct answer is: \[ \boxed{(1)\ \text{calcium phosphate}} \]