Magnesium is a divalent alkaline earth metal (atomic number 12) that plays a critical role as a cofactor in hundreds of enzymatic reactions, particularly those involving ATP-dependent phosphorylation, nucleic acid metabolism, and ion transport. In biological systems, Mg²⁺ stabilizes structures of DNA, RNA, ribosomes, and ATP, and modulates activity of channels and receptors, including NMDA receptors and various voltage-gated ion channels. In cellular physiology, it influences energy metabolism, protein synthesis, and signal transduction pathways. In materials and chemical research, magnesium is investigated for its redox properties, light-weight structural applications, and roles in organometallic and coordination chemistry.
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