Explain the significance of sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium i

1.	Explain the significance of sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium inbiological fluids.
Answer» (i) Sodium (Na): They are found in our blood plasma and the interstitial fluids around the cells. They help in (a) Transmission of nerve signals. (b) They regulate the flow of water across the membranes of the neighboring cells. (c) Transport sugars and amino acids from and to cells. (ii) Potassium (K): They are found mostly in the cell fluids in greater quantities. They help in (a) Activating enzymes. (b) Oxidising glucose to form ATP. (c) Transmitting nerve signals. (iii) Magnesium (Mg) and calcium (Ca): They are also called as macro-minerals named so because of their abundance in our body. Mg helps in (a) Relaxing nerves and muscles. (b) Building and strengthening bones. (c) Maintaining blood circulation in our body. Ca helps in (a) coagulation of blood (b) Maintaining homeostasis

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

Answer»

(i) Sodium (Na):

They are found in our blood plasma and the interstitial fluids around the cells. They help in

(a) Transmission of nerve signals.

(b) They regulate the flow of water across the membranes of the neighboring cells.

(ii) Potassium (K):

They are found mostly in the cell fluids in greater quantities. They help in

(a) Activating enzymes.

(b) Oxidising glucose to form ATP.

(iii) Magnesium (Mg) and calcium (Ca):

They are also called as macro-minerals named so because of their abundance in our body. Mg helps in

(a) Relaxing nerves and muscles.

(b) Building and strengthening bones.

Ca helps in

(a) coagulation of blood

(b) Maintaining homeostasis