Inorganic ions

Calcium Ca2+

Involved in the transmission of nervous impulses

regulation of protein channels

muscle contraction

hardening of teeth and bones

Sodium Na+

Involved in transmission of nervous impulses

active transport Na+ pump

co-transport of glucose and amino acids across membranes

Potassium K+

Involved in the transmission of nervous impulses

active transport

plant cell turgidity

Hydrogen H+

the higher the concentration the lower the ph of bodily fluids

Ammonium NH4+

source of nitrogen used to make organic molecules

Nitrate NO3-

source of nitrogen for organic molecules

Hydrogen carbonate HCO3-

involved in the regulation of blood ph and transport of carbon dioxide in the blood

Chloride Cl-

involved in the transport of carbon dioxide in the blood through the chloride shift

Phosphate PO43-

components of biological molecules such as nucleotides atp and the formation of the phospholipid bilayer

Hydroxide OH-

the higher the concentration the higher the ph of bodily fluids