Question

The diagram given below represents the location and structure of an endocrine gland. Answer the given question.
Name the mineral element required for the synthesis of the hormones secreted by the endocrine gland shown in the image.

Answer 1

Iodine is essential for thee formation of the thyroid hormones, thyroxine (T4) and tri-iodothyronine (T3), so numbered as these molecules contain four and three atoms of the element iodine respectively. Thyroid cells are highly specialized to absorb and use iodine. The selective taking up of iodine from the blood is termed as iodine trapping.

Hence, the mineral element required for the synthesis of thyroid hormones is iodine.