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electrolyte
(e-lek´tro-līt)
a chemical substance that, when dissolved in water or melted, dissociates into electrically charged particles (ions) and thus is capable of conducting an electric current. The principal positively charged ions in the body fluids (cations) are sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. The most important negatively charged ions (anions) are chloride, bicarbonate, and phosphate. These electrolytes are involved in metabolic activities and are essential to the normal function of all cells.

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