Inorganic ions like iron (Fe2+), calcium (Ca2+), magnesium (Mg2+) and phosphate (PO43-) are key components of molecules in living things. Here are a few examples of where they can be found and what their role is within plants.
Calcium ions have a key role in calcium pectate which I have just googled. I’m afraid what I found is far too hilarious to ignore:
“Calcium pectate, a pectin fiber that adds crispness to fruits and vegetables, also has potent cholesterol-lowering properties.”
Crispness. There you go. Crunchy kale. Crisp apples. Tooth-chipping swede. Crunch.
Anyway, back to the calcium pectate. The calcium ions bind to pectin (a carbohydrate) in plant cell walls creating a pectate salt, and contribute to its strength and stability. It’s present in all fruit and…