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The sodium–potassium pump, a critical enzyme for regulating sodium and potassium levels in cells. Sodium ions (Na +) are necessary in small amounts for some types of plants, [1] but sodium as a nutrient is more generally needed in larger amounts [1] by animals, due to their use of it for generation of nerve impulses and for maintenance of electrolyte balance and fluid balance.
The water content of these solutions results from the fact that water follows the sodium ions (and accompanying anions) osmotically. [26] [27] The same principle applies to the formation of many other body fluids. Calcium ions have a great propensity to bind to proteins. [28]
The pore of sodium channels contains a selectivity filter made of negatively charged amino acid residues, which attract the positive Na + ion and keep out negatively charged ions such as chloride. The cations flow into a more constricted part of the pore that is 0.3 by 0.5 nm wide, which is just large enough to allow a single Na + ion with a ...
The sodium ion (Na +) is an important electrolyte in neuron function, and in osmoregulation between cells and the extracellular fluid. This is accomplished in all animals by Na + /K +-ATPase, an active transporter pumping ions against the gradient, and sodium/potassium channels. [104]
Inorganic ions in animals and plants are ions necessary for vital cellular activity. [1] 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 ...
Each ion can be either monatomic (termed simple ion), such as sodium (Na +) and chloride (Cl −) in sodium chloride, or polyatomic, such as ammonium (NH + 4) and carbonate (CO 2− 3) ions in ammonium carbonate. Salts containing basic ions hydroxide (OH −) or oxide (O 2−) are classified as bases, such as sodium hydroxide and potassium oxide.
They are often described as narrow, water-filled tunnels that allow only ions of a certain size and/or charge to pass through. This characteristic is called selective permeability. The archetypal channel pore is just one or two atoms wide at its narrowest point and is selective for specific species of ion, such as sodium or potassium.
The major functions of these lining cells are the reabsorption of water and small molecules from the filtrate into the blood, and the secretion of wastes from the blood into the urine. Proper function of the kidney requires that it receives and adequately filters blood.