Question

What is the role of sodium and potassium in the human body?

Answer 1

We know that sodium and potassium both have different ability to penetrate the cell membrane. Their concentration difference around cell membranes can actually regulate such physiological processes in the body.

Complete answer:
As we know that the sodium is found in the blood plasma outside the cell and in the interstitial fluids which is found in the surroundings of the cells. Potassium ions are the most abundant cations found in the cell fluids. They both participate in the transmission of nerve signals. Sodium and Potassium are chemically very similar but they have very different ability to penetrate certain types of cell membranes, they differ in their transport mechanism and also in their efficiency to activate such types of biological catalysts enzymes. Sodium is mainly found in the plasma and it is also found in the fluid which surrounds the cell.
Sodium also helps in the transmission of nerve signals and it also helps to regulate water in the plasma membrane. The sodium ion also plays a significant role in the transportation of sugar and amino acids into the cells. Potassium is present inside the cell fluid. Its main purpose is to help in activation of many enzymes. It also oxidizes the glucose molecule to form ATP. They also help in the transmission of nerve signals. Sodium is primarily required to control blood volume as well as blood pressure in the body. Potassium is important to maintain the function of nerve cells and muscle tissues. Moreover, it is an important mineral which regulates heartbeat.

Note:
Remember that the sodium and potassium have concentration differences that will not alter the viscosity of fluid at all. Some of these minerals are present in high abundance in the human body and some are present in less amounts.