cation
Definition
A cation is a positively charged ion that has lost one or more electrons. In the context of anatomy and physiology, cations play crucial roles in chemical bonds and are essential for various cellular processes.
Analogy
Think of a cation as a mall with more exits than entrances. Just as more people (electrons) leave the mall than enter it, resulting in fewer people inside (positive charge), a cation has lost electrons and thus has a net positive charge.
Related terms
Ion: An atom or molecule with a net electric charge due to the loss or gain of one or more electrons.
Chemical bond: The physical phenomenon of chemical substances being held together by attraction of atoms to each other through sharing, as well as exchanging, of electrons.
Electrolyte: A substance that produces an electrically conducting solution when dissolved in water, it is often made up of cations and anions which are crucial for bodily functions
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