Inorganic chemistry in living systems

Question 1

role of CO2

Answer 1

Plants- photosynthesis
Animals- chemical trigger for ventilation

Question 2

role nitric acid

Answer 2

Animal- causes vasodilation
signalling molecule in nerve cells

Question 3

role of Mg ions

Answer 3

Animal- mineral supplements for healthy muscles and bones

Question 4

role of peroxide H2O2

Answer 4

Animal- Produced during amino acid metabolisms and their degradation in the liver

Question 5

role of nitrates

Answer 5

Plant - conversion of nitrates into ammonium ions and then into amino acids

Question 6

role of phosphates

Answer 6

structure of dna and phospholipid

Question 7

role of sulphate

Answer 7

the formation of sulphur-containing amino acids-cysteine and methionine

Question 8

role of nickel Ni2+

Answer 8

hydrogenase- catalyses the reversible oxidation of molecular oxidation
hydrolase- catalyses the hydrolysis of chemical bonds

Question 9

role of Fe2+

Answer 9

Animals- oxygen transport and storage

Question 10

role of Fe2+ and Fe3+

Answer 10

involved in ATP synthesis - respiration

Question 11

role of Cu2+

Answer 11

oxygen transport in invertebrates

Question 12

role of Na+ and K+

Answer 12

maintain constant osmotic balance and nerve inpulse in neurons

Question 13

role of Ca2+

Answer 13

Animals- Muscle contraction
structural component in bone and teeth
Plants- component of cell walls of adjacent cells and cell adhesion

Question 14

role of manganese (Mn2+)

Answer 14

Component of oxidase enzyme
-activator of enzymes involved in the formation of bone matrix and cartilage
- acts as a cofactor for water splitting enzyme in photosynthesis
- biosynthesis of choline
- operation of some protein based transportation

Question 15

role of Li+

Answer 15

Can treat hypertension, depression and bipolar disorder

Question 16

role of Pt+

Answer 16

Cancer treatment cisplatin

Question 17

Osmosis