Major Inorganic Elements of Plants and Animals

Question Question

Which of the following statements is/are true?
(a) Major inorganic elements of plants are potassium and silicon.
(b) Major inorganic elements of animals are calcium and phosphorus.

Select an answer

Only (a) is true
Only (b) is true
Both (a) and (b) are true
Neither is true

Major Inorganic Elements of Plants and Animals

Which of the following statements is/are true?
(a) Major inorganic elements of plants are potassium and silicon.
(b) Major inorganic elements of animals are calcium and phosphorus.

Options

Only (a) is true
Only (b) is true
Both (a) and (b) are true ✓
Neither is true

Correct Answer: C

Explanation in English

Correct Answer: Both (a) and (b) are true

Both statements correctly describe the dominant inorganic mineral composition:

Plants: Major inorganic elements are Potassium (K) and Silicon (Si). Straw (especially paddy straw) is particularly rich in silica. Silicon reduces digestibility of straw by acting as a physical barrier.
Animals: Major inorganic elements are Calcium (Ca) and Phosphorus (P). They account for 70% of all body minerals. Bone Ca:P ratio should be 2:1.

Mineral Composition of Animal Body

Total mineral content = 3% of body weight
Ca: 1.33%, P: 0.74%, K: 0.19%, Na: 0.16%, S: 0.15%

Silica and Straw Digestibility

The important component that inhibits digestibility of straw is silica (not lignin as sometimes assumed) — silica coats the cell wall and blocks enzymatic access.

📚 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.

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