Question:

Which of the following element plays a major role in blood clotting, muscle function and nerve impulse transmission?

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Calcium is not only the major component of fish bones and scales but also acts as a highly versatile intracellular messenger regulating cardiac, muscular, and neurological systems.
  • Phosphorus
  • Sodium
  • Magnesium
  • Calcium
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Minerals are inorganic elements essential for diverse structural and physiological processes, including skeletal tissue formation, osmotic regulation, and enzyme activation.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:

Calcium (\(\text{Ca}^{2+}\)) is a crucial divalent cation that acts as a key physiological regulator:
- Blood clotting: It is essential for the enzymatic activation of clotting factors (acting as Factor IV in the coagulation cascade).
- Muscle function: It binds to troponin, exposing the actin-myosin binding sites to initiate muscle contraction.
- Nerve impulse transmission: Calcium influx into presynaptic nerve terminals triggers the release of neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft.

Step 3: Final Answer:

The element that plays these key roles is Calcium, corresponding to option (D).
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