Which nutrient functions BOTH as an enzymatic cofactor and as a stabilizer of ribosomes and nucleic acids?
a) potassium
b) phosphorus
c) calcium
d) Magnesium
Thanks for your help!!
The nutrient that functions both as an enzymatic cofactor and as a stabilizer of ribosomes and nucleic acids is option d) Magnesium.
To arrive at this answer, we need to understand the functions of each nutrient and match them with the given characteristics. Let's break it down:
Option a) Potassium: Potassium is an essential mineral that plays various roles in the body, including maintaining fluid balance and nerve function. However, it does not function as an enzymatic cofactor or as a stabilizer of ribosomes and nucleic acids.
Option b) Phosphorus: Phosphorus is a mineral that is critical for many biological processes, such as ATP synthesis, bone and teeth formation, and DNA synthesis. It also functions as an enzymatic cofactor in some reactions. However, it does not play a significant role as a stabilizer of ribosomes and nucleic acids.
Option c) Calcium: Calcium is another essential mineral that is primarily known for its role in bone and teeth formation. It also plays a vital role in muscle function, nerve transmission, and blood clotting. However, it does not function as an enzymatic cofactor or as a stabilizer of ribosomes and nucleic acids.
Option d) Magnesium: Magnesium is a mineral that is involved in hundreds of enzymatic reactions in the body. It functions as an enzymatic cofactor and is required for the activity of many enzymes involved in energy production, DNA synthesis, and protein synthesis. Additionally, magnesium plays a crucial role in stabilizing ribosomes and nucleic acids, contributing to their structure and function.
Therefore, the correct answer is d) Magnesium.