Magnesium is the major intracellular cation. Each adenosine triphosphate (ATP) dependent enzymatic reaction requires magnesium as a cofactor. Magnesium further maintains the muscle/nerve function and keeps the bones strong.
In this experiment, a kit for the quantitative determination of magnesium in serum is applied. Magnesium forms a purple complex with chromogen calmagite in an alkaline solution. The intensity of the produced color, measured at 520 nm, is proportional to the magnesium concentration in the sample.
*The instrument is not used for medical purpose.