<prompt> Which of the following is the chief mineral of bone?Calcium oxalateHydroxyapatiteCalcium carbonateCalcite  <response>: The inorganic or mineral component is mainly crystalline hydroxyapatite--Ca10PO46OH2--along with sodium, magnesium, carbonate, and fluoride; approximately 99 of the bodys calcium is contained in bone. Hydroxyapatite confers on bone the strength and resilience required by its physiologic roles. Type I collagen is the major protein, comprising 90-95 of the organic material. Ref: Keeley F.W., Murray R.K. 2011. Chapter 48. The Extracellular Matrix. In D.A. Bender, K.M. Botham, P.A. Weil, P.J. Kennelly, R.K. Murray, V.W. Rodwell Eds, Harpers Illustrated Biochemistry, 29e. 