Correct option is D
Correct Answer:(d) Calcium
Calcium plays a vital role in the blood clotting process. It is involved in the activation of various clotting factors in the coagulation cascade, which is essential for forming a stable blood clot. Calcium ions (Ca²⁺) are necessary for the conversion of prothrombin into thrombin, which then converts fibrinogen into fibrin, forming a clot. Without calcium, the clotting process would be incomplete.
Information Booster:
● Role in Clotting: Calcium (Ca²⁺) acts as a cofactor for multiple clotting factors, including factors II, VII, IX, and X.
● Sources: Calcium can be obtained from dietary sources like milk, cheese, leafy greens, and fortified foods.
● Deficiency Impact: A deficiency in calcium can lead to improper blood clotting and other health issues like osteoporosis.
● Other Functions: Apart from clotting, calcium is crucial for bone health, nerve signaling, and muscle function.
● Homeostasis: The body tightly regulates calcium levels to ensure proper physiological functions.
Additional Knowledge:
- (a) Copper: Important for the formation of red blood cells and connective tissues, but not involved in blood clotting.
- (b) Tin: Not biologically significant in the human body.
- (c) Sodium: Plays a key role in nerve impulses and fluid balance but does not contribute to blood clotting.
- (d) Calcium: Correct, as it is directly responsible for facilitating the clotting process.