BIOL 121 | BIOL121 Module 7: Nutrition Updated
and Latest Questions and Correct Answers with
Rationale - Portage Learning
1. Which mineral is essential for the process of blood clotting and the contraction of muscle
fibers?
A. Calcium
B. Sodium
C. Iron
D. Zinc
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Calcium is a major mineral that is primarily stored in the skeletal
system to provide structure. Beyond its role in bone health, it is a critical cofactor in the
biochemical cascade that leads to blood clotting. It also enters muscle cells to trigger the
interaction between actin and myosin for contraction. Low levels of circulating calcium can
lead to muscle spasms or tetany. Regulation of this mineral is managed by the parathyroid
hormone to maintain homeostasis.
2. A person suffering from microcytic, hypochromic anemia is most likely deficient in which of
the following?
A. Potassium
B. Iron
C. Calcium
D. Magnesium
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Iron is a trace mineral necessary for the production of hemoglobin in
red blood cells. Hemoglobin is responsible for carrying oxygen from the lungs to various
tissues throughout the body. A deficiency results in small, pale red blood cells that cannot
transport oxygen efficiently. This condition often causes symptoms such as chronic fatigue,
weakness, and sensitivity to cold. Dietary iron comes in heme and non-heme forms, with
heme being more readily absorbed.
3. Which mineral is the primary cation in the extracellular fluid and is heavily involved in fluid
balance?
A. Sodium
B. Potassium
,C. Iodine
D. Zinc
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Sodium is the most abundant cation found outside of cells in the
extracellular fluid. Its primary physiological role is to regulate the volume of blood and the
movement of water between compartments. High intakes of sodium are strongly linked to
the development of hypertension in sensitive individuals. It is also essential for the
transmission of nerve impulses and muscle function. Most dietary sodium comes from
processed and restaurant foods rather than the salt shaker.
4. A deficiency in which mineral is most likely to result in hypokalemia, potentially causing
cardiac arrhythmias?
A. Potassium
B. Calcium
C. Sodium
D. Iron
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Potassium is the major intracellular cation required for maintaining
the electrical potential of cell membranes. It plays a vital role in nerve impulse
transmission and the regular contraction of the heart muscle. Hypokalemia refers to low
blood potassium levels and can be caused by the use of certain diuretics. Symptoms include
muscle weakness, confusion, and dangerous irregularities in heart rhythm. Consuming
fruits and vegetables like bananas and spinach helps maintain healthy potassium levels.
5. A child presents with severely stunted growth and a reduced sense of taste. Which mineral
deficiency is suspected?
A. Zinc
B. Calcium
C. Sodium
D. Iron
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Zinc is a trace mineral that acts as a cofactor for over 300 different
enzymes in the body. it is essential for DNA synthesis, protein metabolism, and proper
immune system function. A hallmark sign of zinc deficiency in children is significant growth
retardation and delayed sexual maturation. It also plays a key role in the perception of taste
and smell through the protein gustin. Wound healing can be significantly impaired when
zinc levels are insufficient in the diet.
, 6. The Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) for sodium for healthy adults is generally set at:
A. 1,000 mg
B. 2,300 mg
C. 5,000 mg
D. 10,000 mg
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Sodium intake is closely monitored because of its association with
increased blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. The current recommendation for
healthy adults is to limit sodium to less than 2,300 mg per day. Excessive intake causes the
body to retain water, which increases the pressure against arterial walls. This can
eventually lead to chronic hypertension and a higher risk of stroke or heart attack. Many
Americans consume nearly double the recommended amount due to processed food
consumption.
7. Which of the following describes the ‘heme’ form of iron?
A. It is found only in plant-based foods like spinach.
B. It requires vitamin C to be absorbed by the small intestine.
C. It is less bioavailable than non-heme iron.
D. It is the type of iron found in animal flesh such as meat and poultry.
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Heme iron is the form of iron found within the hemoglobin and
myoglobin of animal tissues. It is significantly more bioavailable than the non-heme iron
found in plants or supplements. Roughly 15 to 35 percent of heme iron is absorbed by the
body regardless of other dietary factors. In contrast, non-heme iron absorption is
influenced by enhancers like vitamin C and inhibitors like phytates. Consuming animal
products is an efficient way to meet iron requirements and prevent anemia.
8. Which mineral is a major component of bone hydroxyapatite and is also found in DNA,
RNA, and ATP?
A. Phosphorus
B. Zinc
C. Potassium
D. Iodine
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Phosphorus is the second most abundant mineral in the human body,
with most of it located in the bones. It combines with calcium to form hydroxyapatite,
and Latest Questions and Correct Answers with
Rationale - Portage Learning
1. Which mineral is essential for the process of blood clotting and the contraction of muscle
fibers?
A. Calcium
B. Sodium
C. Iron
D. Zinc
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Calcium is a major mineral that is primarily stored in the skeletal
system to provide structure. Beyond its role in bone health, it is a critical cofactor in the
biochemical cascade that leads to blood clotting. It also enters muscle cells to trigger the
interaction between actin and myosin for contraction. Low levels of circulating calcium can
lead to muscle spasms or tetany. Regulation of this mineral is managed by the parathyroid
hormone to maintain homeostasis.
2. A person suffering from microcytic, hypochromic anemia is most likely deficient in which of
the following?
A. Potassium
B. Iron
C. Calcium
D. Magnesium
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Iron is a trace mineral necessary for the production of hemoglobin in
red blood cells. Hemoglobin is responsible for carrying oxygen from the lungs to various
tissues throughout the body. A deficiency results in small, pale red blood cells that cannot
transport oxygen efficiently. This condition often causes symptoms such as chronic fatigue,
weakness, and sensitivity to cold. Dietary iron comes in heme and non-heme forms, with
heme being more readily absorbed.
3. Which mineral is the primary cation in the extracellular fluid and is heavily involved in fluid
balance?
A. Sodium
B. Potassium
,C. Iodine
D. Zinc
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Sodium is the most abundant cation found outside of cells in the
extracellular fluid. Its primary physiological role is to regulate the volume of blood and the
movement of water between compartments. High intakes of sodium are strongly linked to
the development of hypertension in sensitive individuals. It is also essential for the
transmission of nerve impulses and muscle function. Most dietary sodium comes from
processed and restaurant foods rather than the salt shaker.
4. A deficiency in which mineral is most likely to result in hypokalemia, potentially causing
cardiac arrhythmias?
A. Potassium
B. Calcium
C. Sodium
D. Iron
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Potassium is the major intracellular cation required for maintaining
the electrical potential of cell membranes. It plays a vital role in nerve impulse
transmission and the regular contraction of the heart muscle. Hypokalemia refers to low
blood potassium levels and can be caused by the use of certain diuretics. Symptoms include
muscle weakness, confusion, and dangerous irregularities in heart rhythm. Consuming
fruits and vegetables like bananas and spinach helps maintain healthy potassium levels.
5. A child presents with severely stunted growth and a reduced sense of taste. Which mineral
deficiency is suspected?
A. Zinc
B. Calcium
C. Sodium
D. Iron
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Zinc is a trace mineral that acts as a cofactor for over 300 different
enzymes in the body. it is essential for DNA synthesis, protein metabolism, and proper
immune system function. A hallmark sign of zinc deficiency in children is significant growth
retardation and delayed sexual maturation. It also plays a key role in the perception of taste
and smell through the protein gustin. Wound healing can be significantly impaired when
zinc levels are insufficient in the diet.
, 6. The Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) for sodium for healthy adults is generally set at:
A. 1,000 mg
B. 2,300 mg
C. 5,000 mg
D. 10,000 mg
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Sodium intake is closely monitored because of its association with
increased blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. The current recommendation for
healthy adults is to limit sodium to less than 2,300 mg per day. Excessive intake causes the
body to retain water, which increases the pressure against arterial walls. This can
eventually lead to chronic hypertension and a higher risk of stroke or heart attack. Many
Americans consume nearly double the recommended amount due to processed food
consumption.
7. Which of the following describes the ‘heme’ form of iron?
A. It is found only in plant-based foods like spinach.
B. It requires vitamin C to be absorbed by the small intestine.
C. It is less bioavailable than non-heme iron.
D. It is the type of iron found in animal flesh such as meat and poultry.
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Heme iron is the form of iron found within the hemoglobin and
myoglobin of animal tissues. It is significantly more bioavailable than the non-heme iron
found in plants or supplements. Roughly 15 to 35 percent of heme iron is absorbed by the
body regardless of other dietary factors. In contrast, non-heme iron absorption is
influenced by enhancers like vitamin C and inhibitors like phytates. Consuming animal
products is an efficient way to meet iron requirements and prevent anemia.
8. Which mineral is a major component of bone hydroxyapatite and is also found in DNA,
RNA, and ATP?
A. Phosphorus
B. Zinc
C. Potassium
D. Iodine
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Phosphorus is the second most abundant mineral in the human body,
with most of it located in the bones. It combines with calcium to form hydroxyapatite,
