title: [Inorganic ions versus proteins in biological functions].
abstract: Physiological studies on inorganic ions were historically reviewed. Extremely asymmetric distribution of Ca2+ inside and outside the cell is the basis of its unparalleled role in intracellular processes. This must be rightly appreciated from the viewpoint of the origin of life, where the attention has exclusively been focused on the protein so far. Recognition of the importance of Ca2+ and other inorganic ions as the essential factor in these meanings may be a key for elucidating the strategy of the life.
authors.affiliation: National Institute for Physiological Sciences, Okazaki, Japan.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ebashi
mesh_terms: D000251:Adenosine Triphosphatases / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D002118:Calcium / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D002147:Calmodulin / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D000069497:Origin of Life; D014336:Troponin / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D002147:Calmodulin; D014336:Troponin; D000251:Adenosine Triphosphatases; D002118:Calcium