Topics:
Animal Nutrition, Animal Refresher
Major Inorganic Elements in Plants and Animals
Which of the following statement is true?
- Major inorganic elements of plants are potassium & silicon.
- Major inorganic elements of animals are calcium & phosphorus.
- Both a & b — Correct Answer
- None of the above
Explanation:
Correct Answer: Both a & b
Both statements are scientifically accurate: potassium and silicon are the major inorganic components of plants, while calcium and phosphorus are the major inorganic components of animals.
Major Inorganic Components
| Body | Major Inorganic Components | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Animals | Calcium & Phosphorus | Bone Ca:P ratio = 2:1; constitute ~3% of body weight |
| Plants | Potassium & Silicon | K important in cell turgor; Si in cell walls of grasses |
Mineral Composition of Animal Body
- Total mineral content = 3% of total body weight
- Ca: 1.33%, P: 0.74%, K: 0.19%, Na: 0.16%, S: 0.15%, Cl: 0.11%, Mg: 0.04%
- Major cation of ECF: Na⁺; Major anion of ECF: Cl⁻
- Major cation of ICF: K⁺; Major anion of ICF: PO₄³⁻
Why Other Options Are Wrong
- Only "a" → plants have K and Si as major elements — correct, but incomplete without "b"
- Only "b" → animals have Ca and P as major elements — correct, but incomplete without "a"
- None → both statements are factually correct
📚 About this Topic — Animal Nutrition
This multiple choice question is from Animal Nutrition, Animal Refresher. It has 4 options with a detailed explanation of the correct answer. Practice more MCQs from Animal Nutrition to strengthen your preparation.
