- Joined
- Aug 4, 2013
- Messages
- 2,371
- Reaction score
- 621
I never really understood this but it keeps coming up. I think it has to do with the kidneys and maybe osteoclast activity (more ca2+ being in blood)
what is the effect of phosphate (PO43-) on Ca2+ concentration?
- Thread starter mrh125
- Start date
- Joined
- Dec 31, 2011
- Messages
- 51
- Reaction score
- 14
I don't know what the effect of phosphate is on the calcium concentration(phosphate probably decreases calcium ion concentrations due to precipitation?)
Remember, bone doesn't just consist of calcium ions. Osteoclasts increase blood calcium by breaking down the mineral hydroxyapatite, which is a calcium phosphate compound. Therefore, breaking down hydroxyapatite, not only do you get an increase in calcium, but you also get an increase in phosphate. The body has to take care of this excess phosphate too. i'm assuming the blood phosphate levels are be heavily regulated otherwise it would probably cause problems. one way to get rid of it would be through excretion.
Remember, bone doesn't just consist of calcium ions. Osteoclasts increase blood calcium by breaking down the mineral hydroxyapatite, which is a calcium phosphate compound. Therefore, breaking down hydroxyapatite, not only do you get an increase in calcium, but you also get an increase in phosphate. The body has to take care of this excess phosphate too. i'm assuming the blood phosphate levels are be heavily regulated otherwise it would probably cause problems. one way to get rid of it would be through excretion.
Similar threads
- Question