Which of the following is a component of Bone and Teeth?

Appeared in: UP CHO - 2018

Explanation

Bones and teeth are primarily composed of an inorganic mineral component embedded in an organic collagen matrix.
This mineral component is mainly calcium phosphate, which crystallizes to form hydroxyapatite, giving bone its characteristic hardness.
Approximately 85% of the body's phosphorus is found in the bones, where it combines with calcium to provide structural support.
The ratio of calcium to phosphorus in bones is approximately 2:1, highlighting their combined role in bone building.

Option A: While small amounts of carbonate ions are found in the bone mineral complex, calcium carbonate is not the primary structural salt that provides hardness.
Option C: Calcium sulphate, commonly known as gypsum or Plaster of Paris, is not a natural or physiological component of human bones or teeth.
Option D: Calcium nitrate is an inorganic compound used mainly in fertilizers and has no structural or physiological role in the human body, especially in bones.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Composition of Bones and Teeth as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
A balanced dietary intake of calcium and phosphorus is crucial for developing and maintaining strong bones and preventing conditions like osteoporosis.
Nurses play a key role in educating patients about dietary sources of calcium (e.g., dairy, leafy greens) and phosphorus (e.g., dairy, meat, nuts) to promote lifelong bone health.
What if? If a patient has chronic kidney disease, their ability to excrete phosphate is impaired. This leads to high blood phosphate levels, which disrupts calcium balance and can paradoxically weaken bones over time (renal osteodystrophy).

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question based on fundamental anatomy and physiology.
Identify the core of the question: What is the main mineral building block of bones and teeth?
Recall that bone is a composite material made of organic (collagen) and inorganic (mineral) parts.
Focus on the inorganic mineral component. You know it involves calcium, but you need to identify the correct calcium salt.
Evaluate the options. Calcium Phosphate is the well-known primary mineral. Eliminate options like Calcium Sulphate and Calcium Nitrate as they are not biologically relevant for bone structure.
Differentiate between Calcium Phosphate and Calcium Carbonate. Remember that phosphate is the primary partner for calcium in bone, forming hydroxyapatite.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Qmh_cM26ZGaBFMEb0snsTI

E6 Biochemistry U Satyanarayana— Part 2 (pp 421-820 of 840) p. 41-43

E6 Nutrition Monika Sharma 3e p. 146-148

Practise the full UP CHO - 2018

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.