Function of inorganic salts

(1) It is a structural component of cells.

Some inorganic salts are important components of certain complex compounds within cells.

Examples: Mg2+ is an essential component of chlorophyll molecules; Fe2+ is the main component of hemoglobin; calcium carbonate is an important component of bones and teeth in animals and humans.

(2) Participate in and maintain the metabolic activities of organisms.

Example: The blood of mammals must contain a certain amount of Ca2+. If the content of calcium salts in the blood of an animal is too low, convulsions will occur. Ca2+ is also very important for blood coagulation. Without Ca2+, blood cannot coagulate. Inorganic salt ions in organisms must maintain a certain ratio, which is very important for maintaining the osmotic pressure and acid-base balance of cells, and is a necessary condition for organisms to carry out normal life activities. For example, HCO3- plays an important role in maintaining normal blood pH. Zn-containing enzymes are the most abundant, and the activities of more than 70 enzymes are related to Zn. Co is an essential component of vitamin B12 and participates in the synthesis process of nucleic acids.

(3), maintain the acid-base balance in the organism

(4), maintain the osmotic pressure of cells. It is especially important for plants to absorb nutrients.