Ask A Scientist© Molecular Biology Archive

>
> > >  name       Heidi
> > >  status     student
> > >  age        16
>
> > >  Question - What are electrolytes?
> > Electrolytes are any solutions that conduct electricity. Common table salt
>in water is an example of an electrolyte; table sugar in water is an example
>of a non-electrolyte. There are many sub-catagories of electrolytes, but
>their common denominator is that they can conduct electricity.
>
>Vince Calder

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>Electrolytes are substances in the body that carry a charge, such as ions.
>There are chemical reactions in your body that rely on a charge being carried
>such as the sodium-potassium pump that actively transport substances in and
>out of cells and also that carry an electrical charge along your nerves.  The
>balance of electrolytes is very important in  your body.  They are maintained
>very closely and if they are out of balance serious problems can result.  An
>example is the potassium ion level.  If it is either too high or too low, the
>electrical conduction system in the heart can be thrown off and heart
>arhythmia can result.  If the chloride level is off, the sodium level can
>also be off and osmosis can be seriously affected.
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