Inorganic ions

Question 1

Functions of a Calcium ion (Ca^2+)

Answer 1

• Involved in the transmission of nerve impulses and release of insulin
• Acts as a cofactor for many enzymes

Question 2

Functions of a Sodium ion (Na+)

Answer 2

-Important for generating nerve impulses, muscle contraction and regulation of fluid balance

Question 3

Functions of a Potassium ion (K+)

Answer 3

• Important for generating nerve impulses, muscle contraction and regulation of fluid balance
• Activates essential enzymes for photosynthesis

Question 4

Functions of a Hydrogen ion (H+)

Answer 4

• Affects the pH of substances

- Important for phososynthesis reactions that occur within thylakoid membranes inside chloroplast

Question 5

Functions of an Ammonium ion (NH4+)

Answer 5

• Absorbed by plants in the soil

- An important source of N, which helps make amino acids and nucleic acids etc

Question 6

Functions of a Nitrate ion (NO3+)

Answer 6

• Absorbed by plants in the soil

- An important source of N, which helps make amino acids and nucleic acids etc

Question 7

Functions of a Hydrogencarbonate ion (HCO3-)

Answer 7

-Acts as a buffer, which allows the pH of blood to be maintained

Question 8

Functions of a Chloride ion (Cl-)

Answer 8

• Involved in mainataing the pH of blood during gas exchange (Chloride shift)
• Acts as a cofactor for amylase
• Also involved in some nerve impulses

Question 9

Functions of a Phosphate ion (PO4^3-)

Answer 9

• Involved in photosynthesis and respiration reactions

- Needed for the synthesis of many biological molecules ie nucelotides, phospholipids and calcium phosphate

Question 10

Functions of a Hydroxide ion (OH-)

Answer 10

-Affects the pH of substances