OCR General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) Biology Practice Exam

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Get ready for the OCR GCSE Biology exam with our comprehensive quiz, featuring flashcards and multiple choice questions. Understand the exam format, key topics, and effective study strategies to excel.

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What is an important mineral stored in the skeleton?

Iodine
Calcium
Sodium
Iron

The correct answer is: Calcium

The mineral that is vital and stored in the skeleton is calcium. Calcium plays a crucial role in many bodily functions, particularly in maintaining strong bones and teeth. It is a key component of bone tissue, providing structural strength and rigidity. The body relies on calcium not only for bone health but also for muscle function, nerve transmission, and blood coagulation. Calcium is stored in the bones and constantly undergoes a process of resorption and deposition. When blood calcium levels are low, the body can draw on this stored calcium to maintain necessary physiological functions. Additionally, adequate calcium intake throughout life is essential for preventing bone diseases such as osteoporosis. Other minerals mentioned, such as iodine, sodium, and iron, do have important roles in the body, but they are not primarily stored in the skeleton and do not provide the same structural function as calcium. Iodine is crucial for thyroid function, sodium is vital for fluid balance and nerve function, and iron is essential for oxygen transport in the blood.