Which two mineral ions are especially important for generating and conducting nerve impulses in the nervous system?

• A. Chloride (Cl⁻) and bicarbonate (HCO₃⁻)
• B. Calcium (Ca²⁺) and magnesium (Mg²⁺)
• C. Iron (Fe²⁺) and copper (Cu²⁺)
• D. Sodium (Na⁺) and potassium (K⁺)

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that nerve impulses, or action potentials, are electrical signals generated and propagated by neurons through changes in ion concentrations across their membranes.
2. Recall that the key ions involved in generating and conducting nerve impulses are those that move across the neuron's membrane to create changes in electrical charge.
3. Identify that sodium (Na\^\{+\}) and potassium (K\^\{+\}) ions are crucial because their movement through voltage-gated channels causes depolarization and repolarization phases of the action potential.
4. Recognize that other ions like chloride (Cl\^\{-\}), calcium (Ca\^\{2+\}), magnesium (Mg\^\{2+\}), iron (Fe\^\{2+\}), and copper (Cu\^\{2+\}) have different physiological roles but are not primarily responsible for generating nerve impulses.
5. Conclude that the two mineral ions especially important for nerve impulse generation and conduction are sodium (Na\^\{+\}) and potassium (K\^\{+\}).