(i). Monovalent sodium and potassium ions are found in large proportions in biological fluids.
(ii). These ions perform important biological functions such as maintenance of ion balance and nerve impulse conduction.
(iii). Sodium – Potassium play an important role in transmitting nerve signals.
(iv). Atypical 70 kg man has 90g of Na and 170 g of K.
(v) . Sodium ions are found on the outside of cells, being located in blood plasma and in the interstitial fluid which surrounds the cells. These ions participate in the transmission of nerve signals, in regulating the flow of water across cell membranes and in the transport of sugars and amino acids into cells.
(vi). Potassium ions are the most abundant cations within cell fluids, where they activate many enzymes, participate in the oxidation of glucose to produce ATP and with sodium, are responsible for the transmission of nerve signals.
