Calcium-induced calcium release
Okay kiddo, do you know what calcium is? It's a mineral that helps make your strong bones and teeth. But did you know that it also plays an important role in your body's cells?
Inside your cells, there are tiny things called organelles that help them work properly. And one of those organelles is called the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). The ER is responsible for making and storing some important proteins and other substances that your cells need to survive.
Now, when your cells need to do something important (like contract your muscles or send a message to your brain), they need to release some of these substances from the ER. And that's where calcium comes in.
You see, calcium ions (that's the fancy name for little bits of calcium) can help trigger the ER to release its stored substances. It's like a key that unlocks a door. But that's not all. Calcium can also cause MORE calcium ions to be released from the ER. It's like a chain reaction!
This process is called calcium-induced calcium release (CICR). And it's a way for your cells to make sure that they release enough of the important substances that they need to get the job done. It's like a team effort!
So, when your body needs to do something important, like move or think, it uses CICR to make sure that all the right substances are released from the ER. And that's why calcium is so important for your body!
Inside your cells, there are tiny things called organelles that help them work properly. And one of those organelles is called the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). The ER is responsible for making and storing some important proteins and other substances that your cells need to survive.
Now, when your cells need to do something important (like contract your muscles or send a message to your brain), they need to release some of these substances from the ER. And that's where calcium comes in.
You see, calcium ions (that's the fancy name for little bits of calcium) can help trigger the ER to release its stored substances. It's like a key that unlocks a door. But that's not all. Calcium can also cause MORE calcium ions to be released from the ER. It's like a chain reaction!
This process is called calcium-induced calcium release (CICR). And it's a way for your cells to make sure that they release enough of the important substances that they need to get the job done. It's like a team effort!
So, when your body needs to do something important, like move or think, it uses CICR to make sure that all the right substances are released from the ER. And that's why calcium is so important for your body!