1 Biological Molecules- Inorganic ions

Question 1

What are inorganic ions?

Answer 1

Molecules that do not contain carbon atoms. Charged atoms that play a major role in living organisms

Question 2

How are ions gained?

Answer 2

Through nutrition

Question 3

Describe inorganic ions in the cells?

Answer 3

In the cytoplasm + body fluids maintain optimum levels of each ion, depending on the function of the cell; so some are found in high concentration while others would be toxic if allowed to increase

Question 4

What are hydrogen ions (H+) and their uses?

Answer 4

Protons
pH values represent the concentration of H+ in a solution
Mitochondria accumulate H+ in the intermembrane space to allow aerobic respiration to take place

Question 5

What are iron ions (Fe2+) and their uses?

Answer 5

The central part of the haem group in haemoglobin, allowing red blood cells to transport oxygen and carbon dioxide

Question 5

What are sodium ions (Na+) and their uses?

Answer 5

Transport of sodium ions across the cell membrane of cells in the intestine allows the co-transport of glucose and amino acids

Question 6

What are phosphate ions (PO4 3-) and their uses?

Answer 6

Essential part of the sugar phosphate backbone of DNA molecules
ATP can form ADP and release a phosphate ion along with energy , ADP can also store energy by gaining a phosphate ion and taking in energy (ATP is the universal energy currency of living organisms)