calcium ion
Cellular signaling particle
A calcium ion is an atom of calcium that has lost two electrons, giving it a positive charge (Ca²⁺).
Calcium ions are essential for biological processes including muscle contraction, nerve signaling, and bone formation.
In chemistry and medicine, the term distinguishes the electrically active form from neutral calcium: The test measures calcium ion levels in your blood.
- muscleContractile body tissue
- contractionReduction in size
- boneHard skeletal tissue
- signalMessage-conveying cue
- channelPassage for transmission
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