The molecular profile of magnesium is significant in biological systems. In human cells, magnesium ion (Mg2+) is the second most abundant divalent cation after potassium (K+). Magnesium has an atomic mass of 24.305 g/mol and an atomic number of 12. Magnesium is an essential mineral that plays a crucial role in many biological processes. For instance, it is required for oxidative phosphorylation, glycolysis, protein synthesis, and nucleic acid synthesis. Moreover, magnesium is a crucial component to produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in mitochondria to produce Mg2+ATP. Mg2+ is required for protein phosphorylation and the activation of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), which is involved in a variety of biochemical processes.

1. Atomic Structure:

• Symbol : Mg
• Atomic Number : 12 (meaning it has 12 protons in its nucleus)
• Electron Configuration : [Ne] 3s² (2, 8, 2). It has two electrons in its outermost (3s) shell.
• Oxidation State: Predominantly +2. Magnesium readily loses its two valence electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration like Neon (Ne), forming a Mg²⁺ ion. It can also exhibit a +1 oxidation state in some rare coordination compounds with Mg-Mg bonds.

2. Chemical structure:

• IUPAC Name : Magnesium; 2-aminoacetate
• Synonyms : Magnesium Bis-glycinate, Magnesium Di glycinate, Magnesium Glycinate
• Molecular Formula : C4H8MgN2O4
• Appearance : White to off-white solid
• Molecular weight : 172.42
• Solubility : Soluble in water

3. Magnesium Ion (Mg²⁺) in Biological Systems:

In biological systems, magnesium primarily exists as a divalent cation (Mg²⁺). Its molecular profile in this context includes:

• Ionic Radius : The ionic radius of Mg²⁺ is relatively small, but in aqueous solutions, it is heavily hydrated, meaning it is surrounded by water molecules. This hydrated radius is significantly larger and influences its interactions with biological molecules.
• Coordination Chemistry : Mg²⁺ has a strong tendency to coordinate with molecules containing oxygen and nitrogen atoms, which are abundant in biological systems (e.g., proteins, nucleic acids, ATP).
• Biological Roles : Mg²⁺ is an essential mineral involved in over 300 enzymatic reactions, including:
  1. Energy production (ATP metabolism).
  2. DNA and RNA synthesis.
  3. Protein synthesis.
  4. Muscle contraction and nerve function.
  5. Blood glucose control.
  6. Blood pressure regulation.
  7. Bone health.
  8. Acting as a cofactor, often by binding to ATP and enzymes, influencing their conformation and activity. For example, it is crucial for the activity of enzymes involved in glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation.
  9. Stabilizing the structure of biological molecules like DNA and RNA.
  10. Playing a central role in chlorophyll molecules in plants, essential for photosynthesis.