Define functions of sodium and chloride, Biology

Assignment Help:

Define Functions of sodium and chloride?

So far you have learnt that most minerals participate in important functions of body as they support the activity of specific enzymes. In striking contrast to these, Nat and K+ mostly function by changing their location i.e. by passing from one side of the plasma membrane to other. These electrolytes are involved in number of functions as enumerated herewith.

  • These electrolytes are required for maintenance of total body water and water .balance. They are major determinants of osmotic pressure and electrolyte balance.
  • They are involved in the maintenance of acid-base balance.
  • They are major determinants of membrane potential. As you know that sodium is present in higher concentration outside the cell while K within the cell. This intracellular/extracellular difference in their concentration is responsible for the electrical potential gradient across membranes of all cells with nerve and muscle cells having highest gradients. This is critical in signal transmission across the nerve cells, muscle contraction and relaxation, synaptic transmission.
  • They are required for the transport of glucose, amino acids within enterocyte.

 

The plasma membrane enzyme Na+/K+- ATPase is important for many functions such as water balance, membrane potentials and transport of nutrients. In addition to the above functions, potassium is required for normal growth. Early experiments in intact cells have demonstrated a linear relation between intracellular potassium concentration and cell growth and incorporation of amino acids into protein. Sodium is involved in the formation of mineral apatite of bone while chloride is a constituent of gastric juice.


Related Discussions:- Define functions of sodium and chloride

Define importance of nutrient and drug interaction, Define Importance of Nu...

Define Importance of Nutrient and Drug Interaction? Certain foods, beverages, alcohol, caffeine, and even cigarettes can interact with medicines. This may make them less effect

Microbes, what microbe is the one that is shaped like a ball with spikes co...

what microbe is the one that is shaped like a ball with spikes comming out

What is the advantage of that innovation, What is the main evolutionary inn...

What is the main evolutionary innovation presented by nematodes? What is the advantage of that innovation? The short evolutionary innovation of nematodes is the complete digest

Diagram and describe the signalling of toll, Diagram and describe the signa...

Diagram and describe the signalling of toll like receptors and the resulting cytokines.

Blood groups, BLOO D GROUPS- In R.B.C. on plasmalemma antigen or agglu...

BLOO D GROUPS- In R.B.C. on plasmalemma antigen or agglutinogen present form antibodies or agglutinines. Blood groups are based on antigens. 1 .      ABO SYSTEM -

Explain indications for surgery in aortic aneurysm, Explain Indications for...

Explain Indications for Surgery in Aortic Aneurysm? Indications for Surgery :  Thoracic aortic aneurysms are classified by the portion of aorta involved - ascending, arch,

What is the procedure of normal saline dressing, What is the Procedure of N...

What is the Procedure of Normal saline dressing 1. First collect the supplies near the patient. Place should be clean with good lighting where it is easy to work. Use a newspap

How many g of glucose require to create solution, How many g of glucose wil...

How many g of glucose will be required to make 750 ml of a 0.5% w/v solution? Please show all steps.

Explain about vitamin E, Vitamin E (DL-α-Tocopherol) DL-α-Tocopherol is...

Vitamin E (DL-α-Tocopherol) DL-α-Tocopherol is a yellow to red-brown,  clear, viscous oil almost without odour which decolourise when exposed to light and air. DL-α-Tocopherol

Write Your Message!

Captcha
Free Assignment Quote

Assured A++ Grade

Get guaranteed satisfaction & time on delivery in every assignment order you paid with us! We ensure premium quality solution document along with free turntin report!

All rights reserved! Copyrights ©2019-2020 ExpertsMind IT Educational Pvt Ltd