Question

Which of the following is important for muscle contraction and nerve impulse transmission?

• A. ${Ca}^{2+}$ ions
• B. ${Ca}^{2+}$ and ${Mg}^{2+}$ ions
• C. ${Mg}^{2+}$ ions
• D. ${Fe}^{2+}$ ions

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

${Ca}^{2+}$ and ${Mg}^{2+}$ ions

Minerals play an essential role in the transmission of nerve impulses and contractions of muscles. The essentials minerals are classified as macroelements and microelements. Of all the macroelements, calcium stimulates muscle contraction and regulates the transmission of nerve impulses from one cell to another through its control over acetylcholine production. Magnesium is critical in regulating both muscular contraction and relaxation, and without it neither are possible. Magnesium is required for the uptake of calcium into the sarcoplasmic reticulum.Magnesium also plays a key role in regulating the speed of muscular contraction by modulating actin binding and ADP release in myosin.