The Web of Magnesium

Abstract

Magnesium is a common and abundant element in many Earth environments, especially in serpentine minerals and the rocks associated with serpentinites. The element is also a major constituent in life forms, from bacteria to man. It is important to plants where it is uniquely situated in the chlorophyll molecules that impart the green color, and plays the dominant role in photon reception and transfer of energy essential for metabolism. The multiple roles of magnesium in biology are briefly examined to phrase questions regarding the low productivity of plants typical of serpentinite environments.