What is the main constituent of a struvite crystal?

Study for the VTNE Laboratory Procedures Test. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question offers hints and explanations, enabling increased understanding and retention. Prepare effectively for your exam!

Multiple Choice

What is the main constituent of a struvite crystal?

Explanation:
Struvite crystals are primarily magnesium ammonium phosphate. They form in urine that has become alkaline, often due to bacteria that produce urease and split urea into ammonia. The resulting higher pH causes magnesium, ammonium, and phosphate ions to precipitate as crystals, giving the composition magnesium ammonium phosphate hexahydrate ((NH4)MgPO4·6H2O). This is why magnesium phosphate is the main constituent. Other minerals like calcium carbonate, calcium oxalate, or silica form different crystal types under different conditions and are not characteristic components of struvite.

Struvite crystals are primarily magnesium ammonium phosphate. They form in urine that has become alkaline, often due to bacteria that produce urease and split urea into ammonia. The resulting higher pH causes magnesium, ammonium, and phosphate ions to precipitate as crystals, giving the composition magnesium ammonium phosphate hexahydrate ((NH4)MgPO4·6H2O). This is why magnesium phosphate is the main constituent. Other minerals like calcium carbonate, calcium oxalate, or silica form different crystal types under different conditions and are not characteristic components of struvite.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy