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Inorganic ions



Inorganic ions in animals and plants are ions necessary for vital cellular activity. In body tissues, ions are also known as electrolytes, essential for the electrical activity needed to support muscle contractions and neuron activation. They contribute to osmotic pressure of body fluids as well as performing a number of other important functions. Below is a list of some of the most important ions for living things as well as examples of their functions:

  • Ca2+, Calcium is a component of bones and teeth. It is also functions as a biological messenger, as do most of the ions listed below. See Calcium deficiency
  • K1+, Potassium ions' main function in animals is osmotic balance, particularly in the kidneys. See Potassium deficiency.
  • Mg2+, Most importantly, magnesium ions are a component of chlorophyll. See Magnesium deficiency
  • Cl1-, Inability to transport chloride ions in humans manifests itself as Cystic fibrosis
 
This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article "Inorganic_ions". A list of authors is available in Wikipedia.
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