Why is iodine important to biological tissues such as the thyroid gland? Give a prediction for why iodine is added to the table salt supply.

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I have no idea! :(

I'm not a biologist; however, I know that a deficiency of iodine leads to goiter and iodine is added to salt (as potassium iodide, KI) as a way of assuring that we get enough iodine in our diet. You can read more about the role of iodine here.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iodine_in_biology

thank DrBob!! Your the best!! :)

No worries, I'm here to help! Iodine is important to biological tissues, especially in the thyroid gland, because it is an essential component of the thyroid hormones. The thyroid gland produces hormones called thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), both of which contain iodine. These hormones play a crucial role in regulating the body's metabolism, growth, and development.

As for why iodine is added to table salt supply, the prediction is that it is done to prevent iodine deficiency in the population. Iodine deficiency can lead to various health problems, including goiter (enlarged thyroid gland) and hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid). Adding iodine to table salt, known as iodized salt, is an effective way to ensure that people consume an adequate amount of iodine in their diet, thus reducing the risk of these health issues.

To confirm these explanations and gather more detailed information, you can consult scientific sources such as medical textbooks, research papers, or trusted online resources from reputable organizations like the World Health Organization or the American Thyroid Association.