Consider the following elements found in a typical 70 kg man and arrange them in correct increasing order.

Question

Consider the following elements found in a typical 70 kg man and arrange them in correct increasing order.

1. Sodium

2. Potassium

3. Copper

4. Iron

Select the correct answer from the code given below:

1. A. 4, 3, 1, 2
2. B. 3, 4, 2, 1
3. C. 3, 4, 1, 2 (Correct answer)
4. D. 4, 3, 2, 1

Correct Answer

Option C — 3, 4, 1, 2

Detailed Solution & Explanation

The correct answer is 3, 4, 1, 2.

Key Points

Arranging by quantity present in a typical 70 kg human body, in increasing order:

• 3. Copper — roughly 0.1 g. A trace element, present in the smallest amount of the four.
• 4. Iron — roughly 4 g. Also a trace element, but far more abundant than copper.
• 1. Sodium — roughly 100 g. A macro-mineral.
• 2. Potassium — roughly 140 g. The most abundant of the four.
• The order is 3 → 4 → 1 → 2, option (c).

Additional Information

• By mass, the human body is made up overwhelmingly of oxygen (about 65%), carbon (18%), hydrogen (10%) and nitrogen (3%) — together about 96%. Calcium and phosphorus are the most abundant minerals, largely in bones and teeth.
• Functions of the elements in this question:
  • Potassium — the chief intracellular cation; nerve impulse conduction and muscle contraction
  • Sodium — the chief extracellular cation; fluid balance and nerve conduction
  • Iron — the core of haemoglobin and myoglobin; deficiency causes anaemia
  • Copper — a cofactor in enzymes and in the absorption and use of iron
• Deficiency diseases worth revising: iodine → goitre; iron → anaemia; calcium/vitamin D → rickets and osteomalacia; fluoride excess → fluorosis.