Major cation in the intracellular fluid in animals is:

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DSSSB PGT Chemistry (Female) Official Paper (Held On: 06 Jul, 2018 Shift 1)

Answer 1

CONCEPT:

Intracellular and extracellular cation distribution

Cations are positively charged ions that play a critical role in cellular functions, including nerve signaling, muscle contraction, and maintaining osmotic balance.
The major cation in intracellular fluid (fluid inside cells) is Potassium (K⁺), while the major cation in extracellular fluid (fluid outside cells) is Sodium (Na⁺).
This distribution is maintained by ion pumps like the sodium-potassium pump, which actively transports sodium out of the cell and potassium into the cell.

EXPLANATION:

In animals, the intracellular fluid (ICF) has a high concentration of potassium ions (K⁺) and a low concentration of sodium ions (Na⁺).
Potassium plays a crucial role in:
- Maintaining the resting membrane potential of cells, especially in neurons and muscle cells.
- Regulating cellular osmotic pressure and enzyme activity.
Other cations like sodium, calcium, and magnesium are present in much lower concentrations inside the cell compared to potassium.
Hence, the major cation in intracellular fluid is Potassium (K⁺).

Therefore, the correct answer is Potassium.

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