Calcium and comparable cations are fast being recognized for their
role as vital components of animal physiology. When trying to answer
questions such as why salmon can adjust to life in fresh water as well
as seawater, or why chilli peppers taste hot to humans but evoke
little response from chickens, we often find the answers lie in
patterns of movement of these ions and their roles in sensing,
transmitting and collecting messages.
Bringing together scattered literature on calcium, sodium,
potassium and magnesium in biology, this book examines important
biological contributions of these ions including enzyme activation,
effects in all types of muscle and biomineralization. Attention is
focused on: channel construction and ion movement, calcium as a second
messenger and in the construction of solids and ion channelopathies,
with the help of personalities such as Agatha Christie, van Gogh and
Captain Cook.
THE ROLE OF CALCIUM AND COMPARABLE CATIONS IN ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR
will be valued by a wide range of readers including students of
bioinorganic chemistry and animal behavioural studies, teachers and
other professionals in academia. TOC:The Ions / Biological Roles / Moving Ions Through Membranes /
Intracellular Signalling / Intercellular Signalling / Muscle / Senses
/ Biomineralization / Subject Index.