Trace Elements

Abstract

Trace elements are elements that the living organism needs to survive; the elements are needed in small amount but none-the less needed to sustain life and reproduction. Out of all the elements on the Periodical Table roughly 20-25% of those elements are trace elements. Through research and the comprehension of the readings in Campbell Biology book the trace elements of Sodium, calcium, and Iron. The importance of trace elements will be shown by the description of the chemical nature of trace elements down to the need of them for the proper development of a organism.

Research and the Scientific Method

There are 92 natural elements on the periodical table and roughly 20-25 percent of those elements are trace elements, meaning they are needed for an organism to be healthy and reproductive (Campbell 32). With in each species there are different trace elements needed for survival, these are known as the essential elements. The dependence of each element for the species is based on weather or not the organism is a vertebra or non-vertebrae and this is what helps classify what each elements and organism needs to survive.

Trace Elements Being Researched

This paper will focus three of the trace “essential” elements needed in order to sustain a human life: Iron, Calcium, and Sodium. Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen, and Nitrogen make up 96% of all of living matter therefore the remaining required elements necessary to sustain life are hard to find have to be taken in through digestion in order to survive (Campbell 32).

Iron

Iron is vital as trace element, since it is part of the haemoglobin protein that carries Oxygen in the blood. Oxygen molecules are attracted to the Iron bind them selves to it in the haemoglobin. Allowing for the haemoglobin protein that is part of the blood cells to carry oxygen throughout ones body.  A deficiency of Iron in the blood is called Anemia. This causes weakness, poor concentration, and pale skin. Iron in the haemoglobin protein reacts with copper sulphate (WebMD). So to test ones iron levels for adequacy of iron in the blood one will place a drop in copper sulphate solution, which will react to form a white blob. If the iron levels in the blood are adequate then the blob will be dense enough to sink, if the person tested sufficient Iron content. If the blob floats, the person tested has insufficient Iron in their blood and needs to begin a dietary regiment of beef, mussels, chicken breast or ham, in order to regain an adequate level of iron in the blood (WebMD).

Calcium

Calcium is very important in the development of healthy bones and muscle tissue, particularly in young people, pregnant women and the elderly. Calcium blood will carry calcium to the bones to strengthen and heal the body for prolonged activity. Helping to prevent arthrius and bone decay over long periods of time. When a body is deficient of calcium bone and muscles grow weaker and are more prone to injury (WebMD). Demineralization of the bones, scoliosis, and osteoporosis become increasingly common as one ages especially in woman. This leads to frequent bone fractures or break and skeleton curvature. To test if one is deficient in calcium one can see if they have been having sleep problems and if their fingernails begin to develop white spots, however one will need to have blood work drawn up to conclude a test of this. If one is deficient of calcium yogurt, cream, eggs, fish, and a calcium supplement can help restore balance to the calcium in the body (Healthline). The abundance of it will be placed in a stool to leave ones body (WebMD).