-to buid new cell membranes
-to synthesize new DNA and RNA
-to store large amount of glucose
-to enable the cleaning components of the detergent by preventing interference by the “hardness” of water (mineral ions).
....this is necessary because of calcium and magnesium ions in soils and dirt.
-maintain the correct pH for cleaning components to act, in particular the high pH necessary to ensure sanitisation (killing of bacteria)
