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which are the macro elements and micro elements
Elements in Animals and Humans

Animals and humans have similar evolutionary backgrounds. Specific elements play critical roles in the structures of proteins and the activities of enzymes. The purpose of this page is to outline some of the uses of elements in the structure of animals and humans and to illustrate why these elements are essential in the body and for optimal health.

Macro Elements
  • Calcium (Ca): Structure of bone and teeth.
  • Phosphorous (Ph): Structure of bone and teeth. Required for ATP, the energy carrier in animals.
  • Magnesium (Mg): Important in bone structure. Deficiency results in tetany (muscle spasms) and can lead to a calcium deficiency.
  • Sodium (Na): Major electrolyte of blood and extracellular fluid. Required for maintenance of pH and osmotic balance.
  • Potassium (K): Major electrolyte of blood and intracellular fluid. Required for maintenance of pH and osmotic balance.
  • Chlorine (Cl): Major electrolyte of blood and extracellular and intracellular fluid. Required for maintenance of pH and osmotic balance.
  • Sulfur (S): Element of the essential amino acids methionine and cysteine. Contained in the vitamins thiamin and biotin. As part of glutathione it is required for detoxification. Poor growth due to reduced protein synthesis and lower glutathione levels potentially increasing oxidative or xenobiotic damage are consequences of low sulfur and methionine and/or cysteine intake.
Micro Elements

  • Iron (Fe): Contained in hemoglobin and myoglobin which are required for oxygen transport in the body. Part of the cytochrome p450 family of enzymes. Anemia is the primary consequence of iron deficiency. Excess iron levels can enlarge the liver, may provoke diabetes and cardiac falurer. The genetic disease hemochromatosis results from excess iron absorption. Similar symptoms can be produced through excessive transfusions required for the treatment of other diseases.
  • Copper (Cu): Contained in enzymes of the ferroxidase (ceruloplasmin?) system which regulates iron transport and facilitates release from storage. A structural element in the enzymes tyrosinase, cytochrome c oxidase, ascorbic acid oxidase, amine oxidases, and the antioxidant enzyme copper zinc superoxide dismutase. A copper deficiency can result in anemia from reduced ferroxidase function. Excess copper levels cause liver malfunction and are associated with genetic disorder Wilson's Disease
  • Manganese (Mn): Major component of the mitochondrial antioxidant enzyme manganese superoxide dismutase. A manganese deficiency can lead to improper bone formation and reproductive disorders. An excess of manganese can lead to poor iron absorption.
  • Iodine (I): Required for production of thyroxine which plays an important role in metabolic rate. Deficient or excessive iodine intake can cause goiter (an enlarged thyroid gland).
  • Zinc (Zn): Important for reproductive function due to its use in FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) and LH (leutinizing hormone). Required for DNA binding of zinc finger proteins which regulate a variety of activities. A component of the enzymes alcohol dehydrogenase, lactic dehydrogenase carbonic anhydrase, ribonuclease, DNA Polymerase and the antioxidant copper zinc superoxide dismutase. An excess of zinc may cause anemia or reduced bone formation.
  • Selenium (Se): Contained in the antioxidant enzyme glutathione peroxidase and heme oxidase. Deficiency results in oxidative membrane damage with different effects in different species. Human deficiency causes cardiomyopathy (heart damage) and is known as Keshan's disease.
  • Fluorine (Fl)
  • Cobolt (Co): Contained in vitamin B12. An excess may cause cardiac failure.
  • Molybdenum (Mo): Contained in the enzyme xanthine oxidase. Required for the excretion of nitrogen in uric acid in birds. An excess can cause diarrhea and growth reduction.
  • Chromium (Cr): A cofactor in the regulation of sugar levels. Chromium deficiency may cause hyperglycemia (elevated blood sugar) and glucosuria (glucose in the urine).
Other Elements

Rats have been shown to have improved growth on diets which contain other micro nutrients. These include:

  • Lead (Pb)
  • Nickel (Ni)
  • Silicon (Si)
  • Vanadium (Vn)
  • These elements are all toxic at high levels.
MACRO ELEMENTS AND MICRO ELEMENTS IN PLANTS

For optimal growth plants need about 16 minerals. Not all minerals have the same importance for the plant. The three major minerals that plants use large quantities of are: 

Nitrogen (N) - Phosphorus (P) - Potassium (K). 
The amount of NPK are almost always listed on the labels of fertilizers, for example "21-15-21". 
These numbers correspond to the percentage of weight of each macro element, better known as N, P and K. 
The macro elements that are present in plants when combined with each other and with the micro elements determine the state of health of plants. 
Generally also Sulphur (S), Calcium (Ca) and Magnesium (Mg) are considered macro elements. 

The combinations of nutrients play a crucial role in plant health: 

  • Nitrogen (N): promotes the development of new leaves. Lack of nitrogen can be seen with clear leaves and faded. 

  • Phosphorus (P): promotes the development of roots and the flowering stage. The shortage is manifested with dark leaves, red and purple and slow growth. 

  • Potassium (K): important to protect the plant from problems and determining growth in situations of extreme temperatures. Lack of manifest with dry leaves and yellow from the end. 

  • Sulphur (S): helping to maintain healthy plants. Responsible for green / black leaves. 

  • Calcium (Ca): promotes the development of roots and new shoots. 

  • Magnesium (Mg): promotes the synthesis chlorophyll, the pigment that gives colour to the leaves and absorbs the green light to turn it into Mg ions. Lack of Magnesium is manifested by yellow leaves with green veins. 

Boron, copper, cobalt, iron, manganese, zinc, etc. There are plants in small quantities and are known as micro-nutrients. The plants absorb the proper amount of micro-nutrients from the soil. 
This is why many fertilizers on the ground do not contain trace. In hydroponics, when we’re not using soil, fertilizers are rich in specific micro elements.


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