Question

Explain the significance of sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium in biological fluids.

Answer 1

Hint: The chemical symbol of sodium is Na, the symbol for potassium is K, the symbol for magnesium is Mg and the chemical symbol for calcium is Ca.

Complete Solution :
- Biological significance of sodium:
Sodium is mainly found in the plasma and it also found in the fluid which surrounds the cell. Sodium ions also help in the transmission of nerve signals and it also helps to regulate water in the plasma membrane. The sodium ion also plays a significant role in the transportation of sugar and amino acids into the cells.
- Biological significance of potassium:
Potassium ions are present inside the cell fluid. Its main purpose is to help in activation of many enzymes. It also oxidizes the glucose molecule to form ATP. They also help in the transmission of nerve signals.
- Biological significance of magnesium and calcium:
Magnesium and calcium play an important role in the neuromuscular function and the intraneuronal transmission and blood coagulation. Magnesium also helps in maintaining the normal blood circulation in the human body. Both calcium and magnesium ions also catalyse the formation of pyrophosphate linkage and various other biological systems.

Note: All these elements play an important role in the biological functioning of the human body. Calcium also helps in maintaining the haemostasis, and magnesium helps in building and strengthening bones. Some of these minerals are present in high abundance in the human body and some are present in less amount.