Role of Calcium ions in the cells
Other than helping in muscle contraction, calcium ions are very important in various ways like;
- Calcium ions are the key players in many biochemical and physiological processes in the cells.
- They take part in the signal transduction pathways as second messengers to trigger neurotransmitter release from neurons. This activates various cellular activities like excitability, motility, exocytosis, transcription, and apoptosis.
- Calcium ions take part in electrical signals and control the heart functions. It is also necessary to pump blood from the heart.
- Calcium ions function as a co-factor and facilitate blood clotting .