Question

Write any two biological importance of Magnesium.

Answer 1

Hint: There are many elements which are essential in living systems. Magnesium is a metal present in plant pigment which gives them their characteristic colour. We know that magnesium acts as an excellent catalyst. Find out two such biological applications of magnesium.

Complete step by step answer:
- Magnesium is an essential element present in our body. It is present in our body in large amounts.
- Magnesium is a bulk element present in the human body.
- Human body contains 35g of magnesium. Its daily requirement through intake form is 300-400mg per day.
- Magnesium plays a major role in ATP synthesis from ADP and inorganic phosphate. In our body, energy is stored in the form of ATP, Adenosine triphosphate. Therefore, magnesium is very much necessary in our diet.
- Magnesium rich sources are cocoa, spinach, almonds, coconut milk, nuts and chia seeds.
- Magnesium is required for the process of photosynthesis by plants. Chlorophyll which is the necessary plant pigment for photosynthesis has magnesium as the central atom.
- Magnesium is required for transcription of DNA in living beings. Magnesium stabilizes the DNA and RNA. DNA is Deoxyribonucleic acid and RNA is Ribonucleic acid which are present in the nucleus of each cell. They store the genetic information of our body.
- Magnesium is essential for maintaining lipid balance in our body.
- Magnesium also provides permeability to the cell membrane.
- Deficiency of magnesium in the human body causes muscle cramps and disorders related to metabolism.

Note: Magnesium is a bulk element present in the human body. It is an essential element in living beings. Basically, magnesium is needed for phosphate group transfer reactions and to maintain balance in metabolic processes of living beings.