Course Code: BCH 407 Semester: Harmattan

Course Title: Bioinorganic Chemistry Session: 2023/2014

Topics: Relationship between Physiological Ions

Roles of Inorganic Elements in Living Systems

Deficiency of Inorganic Elements

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PHYSIOLOGICAL IONS

Physiological ions are atoms or molecules that have gained or lost electrons, giving them an
electrical charge (positive or negative). These charged particles exist within our body fluids and
play a critical role in various physiological processes.

Here are some key points about physiological ions:

 Types: The major physiological ions include sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), chloride (Cl-),
calcium (Ca2+), magnesium (Mg2+), hydrogen phosphate (HPO4²⁻), and hydrogen
carbonate (HCO3⁻).
 Electrolytes: Most physiological ions are also electrolytes. Electrolytes dissolve in water
and conduct electricity, which is crucial for many bodily functions. This includes most
soluble salts, acids, and bases dissolved in a polar solvent, such as water. Upon
dissolving, the substance separates into cations and anions, which disperse uniformly
throughout the solvent.

Electrically, such a solution is neutral. If an electric potential is applied to such a

solution, the cations of the solution are drawn to the electrode that has an abundance
of electrons, while the anions are drawn to the electrode that has a deficit of electrons.
The movement of anions and cations in opposite directions within the solution amounts
to a current. Some gases, such as hydrogen chloride (HCl), under conditions of high
temperature or low pressure can also function as electrolytes.

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They maintain an intricate relationship within the body, affecting several important
processes:

 Nerve and Muscle Function: The movement of ions, particularly sodium and potassium,
across cell membranes generates electrical impulses that power nerve signals and
muscle contractions.
 Fluid Balance: Ion concentrations influence the movement of water between cells and
their surroundings. This maintains proper hydration and prevents cells from swelling or
shrinking excessively.
 Chemical Reactions: Certain ions like calcium and magnesium act as cofactors for
enzymes, influencing the rate and efficiency of many biochemical reactions within cells.
 Bone Health: Calcium plays a vital role in bone formation and maintenance.
 Acid-Base Balance: Bicarbonate ions help regulate blood pH, keeping it within the
optimal range for proper body function.

Maintaining Ion Balance is Crucial:

Our body has complex mechanisms to regulate the concentration of these ions. Disruptions in
this balance can lead to various health problems, including muscle weakness, fatigue, heart
arrhythmias, and even seizures.

Physiological ions orchestrate a complex dance within our bodies, working together to maintain
vital functions. Here's a breakdown of their key relationships:

Electrical Balance:

 Concentration Gradients: Ions have different charges (positive cations like Na+ and K+
or negative anions like Cl-). This difference creates a concentration gradient across cell
membranes.
 Electrostatic Attraction: Ions with opposite charges attract each other. Sodium-
Potassium pumps actively transport these ions, creating an uneven distribution that
fuels the electrical impulses crucial for nerve and muscle function.
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Maintaining Fluid Balance:

 Osmotic Pressure: Ions influence the movement of water between cells and their
surroundings. High ion concentration outside a cell draws water in, while low
concentration can cause it to shrink. This delicate balance is essential for cell function
and overall hydration.
 Regulation by Electrolytes: Sodium and chloride are major players in regulating fluid
balance. The kidneys meticulously control their excretion, ensuring proper water
distribution throughout the body.

Cellular Processes:

 Enzyme Activation: Ions like magnesium and calcium act as cofactors for enzymes,
influencing the rate and efficiency of various biochemical reactions within cells.
 Protein Structure and Stability: Calcium ions, for example, help maintain the structure
of proteins involved in muscle contraction and bone formation.

Interdependence and Synergy:

 Cooperative Action: The actions of different ions often work together. For instance,
calcium influx into muscle cells triggers the release of potassium, which helps regulate
muscle contraction and relaxation.
 Maintaining Equilibrium: Disruptions in one ion's concentration can have cascading
effects. For example, low potassium levels can impair muscle function due to its role in
nerve impulses.

The Body's Regulatory Mechanisms:

 Hormonal Control: Hormones like aldosterone and parathyroid hormone (PTH) play a
vital role in regulating ion levels in the blood. They signal the kidneys to adjust excretion
or reabsorption of specific ions to maintain a healthy balance.

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  Dietary Intake: The food we eat provides the raw materials for these ions. A balanced
diet ensures the body has the necessary resources to maintain proper ion
concentrations.

Each physiological ion plays its part while coordinating with others to maintain the
symphony of life within our bodies. Their intricate relationships and precise regulation
ensure the proper functioning of our cells, tissues, and organs.

Roles of Inorganic Elements in Living Systems

Inorganic elements are essential for all living things. They play a variety of important roles,
including:

Building blocks of cells and tissues: Inorganic elements such as carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and
nitrogen are the main building blocks of all living things. They are found in all organic
molecules, including proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids.

Cofactors for enzymes: Many enzymes require inorganic elements, such as iron, magnesium,
and zinc, to function properly. These cofactors help the enzymes to catalyze important
biochemical reactions.

Structural components: Inorganic elements such as calcium and phosphorus are important
structural components of bones and teeth.

Electrolytes: Inorganic ions, such as sodium, potassium, and chloride, are electrolytes that help
to maintain the balance of water and ions in the body.

Messengers: Inorganic ions, such as calcium and sodium, can also act as messengers to
coordinate cell activities.

Inorganic elements are involved in a wide variety of biological processes, including:

Metabolism: Inorganic elements are essential for many metabolic processes, such as energy
production, digestion, and respiration.

Cell signaling: Inorganic ions can act as messengers to coordinate cell activities.

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Immune function: Inorganic elements are involved in many aspects of immune function, such as
the production of white blood cells and antibodies.

Reproduction: Inorganic elements are essential for reproduction, such as the production of
sperm and eggs.

Examples of Inorganic Elements in Living Systems

Here are some examples of inorganic elements and their roles in living systems:

Carbon: Carbon is the basic building block of all organic molecules.

Hydrogen: Hydrogen is found in all water molecules and all organic molecules.

Oxygen: Oxygen is essential for cellular respiration, which is how cells produce energy.

Nitrogen: Nitrogen is found in all amino acids, the building blocks of proteins.

Calcium: Calcium is a major component of bones and teeth. It is also involved in muscle
contraction and nerve signaling.

Phosphorus: Phosphorus is a major component of bones and teeth. It is also involved in energy
metabolism and cell signaling.

Iron: Iron is a component of hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. It is
also involved in many other enzymes.

Magnesium: Magnesium is a cofactor for many enzymes, including those involved in energy
metabolism and protein synthesis.

Zinc: Zinc is a cofactor for many enzymes, including those involved in digestion and immune
function.

Deficiency of Inorganic Elements

Deficiency of inorganic elements can lead to a variety of health problems, depending on the
element that is deficient. Some common examples of inorganic element deficiencies and their
consequences include:

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Iron deficiency: Iron deficiency is the most common nutrient deficiency in the world. It can
cause anemia, which is characterized by fatigue, shortness of breath, and pale skin.

Iodine deficiency: Iodine deficiency is the leading preventable cause of brain damage in the
world. It can cause cretinism, a condition characterized by mental retardation, short stature,
and deafness.

Calcium deficiency: Calcium deficiency can lead to osteoporosis, a condition characterized by

weak and brittle bones.

Magnesium deficiency: Magnesium deficiency can cause muscle cramps, fatigue, and insomnia.

Zinc deficiency: Zinc deficiency can cause growth retardation, impaired immune function, and
skin problems.

Deficiencies of other inorganic elements, such as copper, selenium, and manganese, are also
possible, but they are less common.

Symptoms of inorganic element deficiencies can vary depending on the element that is
deficient. However, some common symptoms include:

Fatigue

Weakness

Pale skin

Shortness of breath

Muscle cramps

Hair loss

Skin problems

Impaired immune function

Growth retardation

Mental retardation
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Neurological problems

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor to get a diagnosis
and treatment.

Inorganic element deficiencies can be prevented by eating a balanced diet that includes a
variety of foods from all food groups. It is also important to avoid smoking and excessive
alcohol consumption, as these can interfere with the absorption of inorganic elements.

Compiled by;

VCE