Inorganic ions in animals and plants are ions necessary for vital cellular activity. In body tissues, ions are also known as electrolytes, essential for the electrical activity needed to support muscle contractions and neuron activation. They contribute to osmotic pressure of body fluids as well as performing a number of other important functions. Below is a list of some of the most important ions for living things as well as examples of their functions:
* Cacalcium ions are a component of bones and teeth. They also function as biological messengers, as do most of the ions listed below. (See Hypocalcaemia.)
*Zn - zinc ions are found in very small concentrations in the body, and their main purpose is that of an antioxidant; the zinc ions act as antioxidants both generally and for liver specific pro-oxidants. Zinc ions can also act as an antioxidant-like stabilizer for some macro-molecules which bind zinc ions with high affinity, especially in cysteine-rich binding sites. These binding sites use these zinc ions as a stabilizer to protein folds, making these protein motifs more rigid in structure. These structures include zinc fingers, and have several different conformations.
* Kpotassium ions' main function in animals is osmotic balance, particularly in the kidneys. (See Hypokalemia.)
* Nasodium ions have a similar role to potassium ions. (See Sodium deficiency.)
*Mn- manganese ions are seen being used as stabilizer for varying protein configurations. However, manganese ion overexposure is linked to several neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease.
* Mg magnesium ions are a component of chlorophyll. (See Magnesium deficiency (plants))
* Cl inability to transport chloride ions in humans manifests itself as cystic fibrosis (CF)
* Carbonate| the shells of sea creatures are calcium carbonate. In blood approximately 85% of carbon dioxide, is converted into aqueous carbonate ions (an acidic solution), allowing a greater rate of transportation.
*Co- cobalt ions are present in the human body in amounts from 1 to 2 mg. Cobalt is observed in the heart, liver, kidney, and spleen, and considerably smaller quantities in the pancreas, brain, and serum. Cobalt is a necessary component of vitamin B and a fundamental coenzyme of cell mitosis. Cobalt is crucial for amino acid formation and some proteins to create myelin sheath in nerve cells. Cobalt also plays a role in creating neurotransmitters, which are vital for proper function within the organism.
* Phosphate|adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is a common molecule which stores energy in an accessible form. Bone is calcium phosphate.
* Fe/Feas found in haemoglobin, the main oxygen carrying molecule has a central iron ion.
* Nitrate| source of nitrogen in plants for the synthesis of proteins.