INORGANIC IONS

Question 1

How are ions formed

Answer 1

If an atom loses one or more electrons it becomes a positively charged ion
If an atom gains one or more electrons, it becomes a negatively charged ion

Question 2

Ionic bonding

Answer 2

Ions with a positive and negative charge can share electrons
When they do, their opposite charges attract eachother forming an ionic bond

Question 3

Electrode interaction

Answer 3

In an electric field, ions migrate to electrodes with the opposite charge
Negatively charged ions migrate to the positive electrode (anode) so are called anions
Positively charged ions migrate to the negatively charged electrode (cathode) so are called cations

Question 4

Where are inorganic ions found in cells

Answer 4

Occur in solution in the cytoplasm and body fluids of organisms, some in high concentrations and others in very low concentrations

Question 5

What are the important biological ions

Answer 5

Hydrogen
Potassium
Sodium
Phosphate
Iron

Question 6

Describe the hydrogen ion

Answer 6

H+
pH is calculated based on the concentration of hydrogen ion. The more hydrogen ions presemt, the lower the pH
Enzyme controlled reactions are affected by pH

Question 7

Describe the iron ion

Answer 7

Fe2+
Required to transport oxygen in haemoglobin
The iron ion is a key component that binds to the oxygen in haemoglobin
When oxygen is bound, the Fe2+ ion temporarily becomes an Fe3+ ion until oxygen is released

Question 8

Describe the sodium ion

Answer 8

Na+
Glucose and amino acids are absorbed into the small intestine by co transport with sodium ions
Nerve impulse transmission involves sodium ions

Question 9

Describe potassium ions

Answer 9

K+
Constantly pumped into cells by active transport in exchange for sodium ions
Crucial to heart function, nerve impulses and plays a key role in skeletal and smooth muscle contraction

Question 10

Describe phosphate ions

Answer 10

PO43-
Used in production of nucleic acids
Production of ATP and phospholipids which are essential in cell membranes
Combines with calcium ions to form calcium phosphate which is required for the rigidity of bones

Question 11

Describe chloride ions

Answer 11

Cl-
Moved out of cells lining the lungs and digestive system to provide a low water potential outside the cell causing water to flow so mucus isnt thick and stiff
Failure of this mechanism cases cystic fibrosis