Which one of the following metal ionss is essential inside the cell for the metabolsim of `glucose//synthesis` of proteins:

Options

A. `Mg^(2+)`
B. `Ca^(2+)`
C. `K^(+)`
D. `Na^(+)`

Answer

To solve the question regarding which metal ion is essential inside the cell for the metabolism of glucose and the synthesis of proteins, we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Understand the Requirements
The question asks for a metal ion that is crucial for two specific biological processes: the metabolism of glucose and the synthesis of proteins.

**Hint:** Consider the roles of various metal ions in biological systems, particularly in energy metabolism and protein synthesis.

### Step 2: Identify Key Metal Ions
Common metal ions that play significant roles in cellular metabolism include:
- Magnesium (Mg²⁺)
- Calcium (Ca²⁺)
- Zinc (Zn²⁺)
- Iron (Fe²⁺)

**Hint:** Recall the specific functions of these metal ions in cellular processes, especially focusing on glucose metabolism and protein synthesis.

### Step 3: Analyze Magnesium's Role
Magnesium ions (Mg²⁺) are known to be essential for:
- Enzymatic reactions involved in glucose metabolism, including glycolysis and the Krebs cycle.
- The synthesis of proteins, as they are required for the function of ribosomes and the activity of various enzymes involved in translation.

**Hint:** Think about how magnesium acts as a cofactor for enzymes in these metabolic pathways.

### Step 4: Confirm the Importance of Magnesium
Magnesium is involved in:
- The oxidation of glucose, which is a critical step in energy production.
- The transfer of energy at the cell membrane, facilitating various cellular processes.

**Hint:** Consider how energy transfer and metabolic pathways are interconnected and the role of magnesium in these processes.

### Step 5: Conclusion
Based on the analysis, the metal ion that is essential inside the cell for the metabolism of glucose and the synthesis of proteins is **magnesium ions (Mg²⁺)**.

**Final Answer:** The correct answer is **option A: Magnesium ions (Mg²⁺)**.