Abstract
Specific Ca2+ homeostatic system appeared very early in the history of the cell, as a survival system preventing Ca2+-mediated cell damage. This homeostatic system produced a steep (∼20,000 times) concentration gradient between extracellular and intracellular compartments, which has both survival importance (even relatively short increases in cytosolic Ca2+ concentrations higher then 100 nM are incompatible with life) and signalling function. Evolution utilised this gradient together with an ability of Ca2+ to interact with many biological molecules to create the most widespread and versatile signalling system, controlling the majority of cellular processes and executing complex routines of intercellular communications. © 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 345-350 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | Cell calcium |
Volume | 42 |
Issue number | 4-5 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Oct 2007 |