Why is Magnesium Ion Important in Biological Catalysis?
In biological systems, magnesium ion is crucial because it stabilizes the structure of ATP, the primary energy currency of the cell. It also participates in the catalytic activity of numerous enzymes, including kinases, polymerases, and ATPases. These enzymes are vital for processes such as DNA replication, RNA transcription, and protein synthesis. For instance, in the [ribosome](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ribosome), Mg2+ ions are essential for maintaining its structural integrity and function.
