Biological Role
Chlorine plays a major biological role in most higher animal life as acqueous choride anions, as part of the electrolyte makeup of inter- and intra-cellular fluids. It has been noted that the ionic strength and composition of these fluids is often similar to sea water. In humans, chloride is most commonly obtained in the diet from table salt. Excess salt intake can have health implications. Iodine are needed by our bodies in trace amounts, particularly by the thyroid gland. Its definiciency can cause goitre. The other three halogens have no known biological role.
Read more about this topic: Halogen
Famous quotes containing the words biological and/or role:
“I am fifty-two years of age. I am a bishop in the Anglican Church, and a few people might be constrained to say that I was reasonably responsible. In the land of my birth I cannot vote, whereas a young person of eighteen can vote. And why? Because he or she possesses that wonderful biological attribute—a white skin.”
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