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ELECTROLYTE

3rd October, 2024

Source: ASIARESEARCHNEWS

Disclaimer: Copyright infringement not intended.

Context 

An Osaka Metropolitan University research group has developed an electrolyte with high conductivity, formability, and electrochemical stability.

What are electrolytes?

Electrolytes are minerals that have an electric charge when they are dissolved in water or body fluids, including blood. The electric charge can be positive or negative. You have electrolytes in your blood, urine (pee), tissues, and other body fluids.

Electrolytes are important because they help:

  • Balance the amount of water in the body
  • Balance the body's acid/base (pH) level
  • Move nutrients into the cells
  • Move wastes out of the cells
  • Support the muscle and nerve function
  • Keep the heart rate and rhythm steady
  • Keep the blood pressure stable
  • Keep the bones and teeth healthy

What are the different types of electrolytes in the body?

Electrolyte

Functions in the Body

Sources

Sodium (Na⁺)

Regulates fluid balance, blood pressure, and nerve/muscle function

Table salt, processed foods, soy sauce

Potassium (K⁺)

Crucial for heart function, muscle contraction, and nerve signaling

Bananas, oranges, potatoes, spinach

Calcium (Ca²⁺)

Essential for bone health, blood clotting, muscle function, and nerve signaling

Dairy products, green leafy vegetables, fortified foods

Magnesium (Mg²⁺)

Involved in over 300 biochemical reactions, including muscle/nerve function, heart rhythm, and energy production

Nuts, seeds, whole grains, green leafy vegetables

Chloride (Cl⁻)

Maintains fluid balance, supports digestion as a component of stomach acid (HCl), and helps maintain proper pH in blood

Table salt, seaweed, tomatoes

Phosphate (PO₄³⁻)

Vital for energy production (ATP), bone formation, and acid-base balance

Meat, dairy, beans, nuts, whole grains

Bicarbonate (HCO₃⁻)

Key buffer in maintaining acid-base balance in the blood, preventing acidosis or alkalosis

Produced by the body, dairy, fruits, vegetables

What is an electrolyte imbalance?

An electrolyte imbalance means that the level of one or more electrolytes in the body is too low or too high. It can happen when the amount of water in the body changes. 

Read about solid state batteries: https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/solid-state-battery

Sources: 

PIB


PRACTICE QUESTION

Q:Consider the following statements regarding Electrolytes:

  1. Electrolytes are substances that, when dissolved in water, dissociate into ions and conduct electricity.
  2. Sodium (Na+) and Potassium (K+) are the only electrolytes essential for maintaining fluid balance in the human body.

Which of the above statements is/are incorrect?

a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: b

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: 

Electrolytes are compounds that dissociate into ions when dissolved in a solvent like water. These ions are charged particles that carry electricity, allowing the solution to conduct electric current.

Statement 2 is incorrect: 

Other electrolytes like Calcium (Ca²+), Magnesium (Mg²+), and Chloride (Cl−) also play crucial roles in fluid balance, not just Sodium and Potassium.

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