Questions tagged [minerals]
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13
questions
2
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1answer
56 views
Is chloride necessary for animals?
Of the twelve well-known atomic constituents of our body eleven elements have specific properties obviously relevant to their rôle, making them indispensable. Oxygen (electronegativity and valence), ...
0
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0answers
10 views
Explanation of why more Ca2+ ions causes longer root length in plants
This is for an experiment to test for mineral ion availabity in plants.
So if there is more Calcium ions in the soil, there would be an increase in the length of the root of the plant that is being ...
3
votes
1answer
33 views
How is silica transported to the leaves of genus Dendrocnide trees to form stinging needles for toxin delivery?
I just read the NYTimes' This Tree’s Leaves Look Soft and Inviting. Please Don’t Touch Them. which mentions the genus Dendrocnide and that Wikipedia section begins with:
Contact with the leaves or ...
1
vote
0answers
15 views
Is it possible to accelerate active transport in plant vascular system using some electronic method?
I am from electronics background and got an understanding that electrical current affect plant growth. Based on this phenomenon, I got an idea but before I formulate my hypothesis and start ...
2
votes
1answer
227 views
What is this white fluff growing in my basement?
I live in the countryside of Western Europe by the beach with a temperate climate. After a period of unusual humidity at 84%, I noted this white fluff in the basement floor:
The first picture is ...
1
vote
1answer
62 views
Microbiome Context for Amino Acid Essentials and Non-Essentials
Given what we are now learning about the diverse mix and variance of microbiomes (aka bacterias via human gut project), is it possible that synthesis of aminos can be done by specific bacteria and ...
1
vote
0answers
17 views
Which factors dictate the mineral composition in plants\vegetables?
Here's a table of vegetables mineral composition (one of many), just as an example. Each vegetable contains different amounts of minerals, and my question is why is that, or in other words: Which ...
1
vote
0answers
267 views
Calcium carbonate minerals in marine organisms shells
Calcium carbonate minerals exist in seawater in two main phases: calcite and aragonite. While calcite is the most stable phase, it is aragonite that precipitates first in seawater because of the high ...
5
votes
1answer
205 views
Death from too little salt?
I know that sodium deficiency can be deadly. But why is it deadly? Is it because of your muscles getting so rigid that you can't get something with salt in it? Is it because of your brain not able to ...
6
votes
1answer
4k views
iodine: how did they manage without it in old ages? (People who were living far from the sea)
Knowing that today iodine comes either from fish products or (artificially) enriched table salt, how did people who lived far from the sea survive before (especially during the the Middle Ages)?
Edit ...
5
votes
5answers
3k views
Why can't you just take a vitamin? Why you need a healthy diet on top of that?
From what I understand, your body needs certain amounts of vitamins and minerals to maintain health. Why can't we just take enough pills to obtain these vitamins and minerals?
2
votes
1answer
664 views
How are minerals formed by biological processes?
News to me is that about 4500 of the 4900 minerals on Earth have been created by life. What are some examples of such processes? Are some minerals formed inside the human body?
8
votes
1answer
1k views
How does fluoride prevent tooth decay?
Fluoride is a common active ingredient in tooth paste to prevent dental caries. It is also added or removed from the water supply in some communities for the same reason, but in children only.
My ...
