Final answer:
Potassium is the electrolyte responsible for carbohydrate metabolism.
Step-by-step explanation:
The electrolyte that is responsible for carbohydrate metabolism is potassium.
Carbohydrate metabolism refers to the overall process of breaking down carbohydrates into glucose, which is a crucial source of energy for cells. Potassium plays a vital role in this process by acting as a cofactor for enzymes involved in the breakdown of carbohydrates.
For example, potassium is necessary for the functioning of the enzyme pyruvate kinase, which is involved in the final step of glycolysis, the first stage of carbohydrate metabolism. Glycolysis converts glucose into pyruvate, and pyruvate kinase requires potassium to catalyze this reaction.