How intracellular cytoplasmic calcium concentration is maintained?
Intracellular cytoplasmic calcium concentration is maintained by the following mechanisms:
a) Limited entry rate, governed by limited number of calcium channels.
b) Efficient extrusion where by ATP - dependent Ca transport system pumps Ca+ out of the cell. In addition, a calcium pump can drive calcium into mitochondria matrix for storage a: calcium phosphate until needed.
c) Sequestration of Ca+2 in the endoplasmic reticulum or in the case of muscle is the sarcoplasrnic reticulum.
It must be evident from the discussion above that calcium levels in bones, blood and other tissues is maintained by a complex interaction of several mechanisms. This itself is suggestive of the fact that calcium forms an integral and important part of these tissues. In our subsequent discussions, we will be able to identify the reason behind the significance of maintaining adequate levels of calcium in our body.