Inorganic ions

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:

• Ca²⁺calcium ions are a component of bones and teeth. They also function as biological messengers, as do most of the ions listed below. (See Hypocalcaemia.)
• Zn²⁺ - 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.
• Mg²⁺ 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.
• Co²⁺- 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 B₁₂ and a fundamental coenzyme of cell mitosis. Some examples of potassium ion channels within biological systems include K_ATP channels, BK channels, and ether-a-go-go potassium channels Sodium ion channels consist of various subunits, however, only the principle subunit is required for function. Chloride ion channels involve both voltage-gated and ligand-gated mechanisms to transport the ions across cellular membranes.