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

Explanation

Biological importance of Na, K
`Na^+` ions participate in the transmission of nerve signals.
`Na^+` ions regulates the flow of water across cel membranes.
`Na^+` ions responsible for transport of sugars and amino acids into cells.
`K^+` ions are useful in activating enzymes.
`K^+` ions participate in the oxidation of glucose to produce ATP.
`K^+` along with `Na^+` responsible for the transmission of nerve signals.
Biological importance of Mg and Ca:
Role of `Mg^(2+)` in biology:
`Mg^(2+)` ions are concentrated in animal cells.
Enzymes like "phosphohydrolases" and phospho transferases contain `Mg^(2+)` ions . These enzymes participate in ATP reactions and release energy in the process `Mg^(2+)` forms a complex with ATP.
`Mg^(2+)` is a constituent of chlorophyll, the green component of plants.
Role of `Ca^(+2):`
About 99% of body calcium in present in bones and teeth. It also plays important roles in neuromuscular function, interneuronal transmission, cell membranes integrity and blood coaqulation.
The calcium concentration in plasma is regulated at about 100 `Mg//lit` . It is maintained by two hormones, calcitonin and parathyroid hormone. `Ca^(2+)` ion are necessary for muscle contraction.