Common Ions
Positively Charged Ions (Cations)
| Ion | Charge | Common Uses/Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Sodium | Na⁺ | Found in table salt; essential for biological functions. |
| Potassium | K⁺ | Vital for cell function and signaling. |
| Calcium | Ca²⁺ | Important for bone structure and muscle function. |
| Magnesium | Mg²⁺ | Crucial for many biochemical reactions. |
| Iron | Fe²⁺/Fe³⁺ | Involved in oxygen transport in hemoglobin. |
| Zinc | Zn²⁺ | Important for enzyme function and immune response. |
| Copper | Cu²⁺ | Involved in electron transport and enzyme activity. |
Negatively Charged Ions (Anions)
| Ion | Charge | Common Uses/Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Chloride | Cl⁻ | Found in table salt; important for fluid balance. |
| Sulfate | SO₄²⁻ | Found in many minerals; important in biological systems. |
| Nitrate | NO₃⁻ | Used in fertilizers; involved in biological processes. |
| Bicarbonate | HCO₃⁻ | Maintains pH balance in blood. |
| Phosphate | PO₄³⁻ | Essential for energy transfer (ATP), DNA, and RNA. |
| Carbonate | CO₃²⁻ | Found in minerals; plays a role in buffering systems. |
| Hydroxide | OH⁻ | Important in acid-base chemistry; found in bases. |