Inorganic ions

Question 1

What are inorganic ions?

Answer 1

Inorganic ions occur in solution in the cytoplasm and in body fluids.

Question 2

What are the key inorganic ions?

Answer 2

Hydrogen (H+), iron (Fe^2+), sodium (Na+), phosphate (Po v4^3-).

Question 3

What is the importance of hydrogen ions?

Answer 3

The concentration of H+ ions determines pH. A higher concentration of H+ ions results in a more acidic environment. This is important as pH affects enzyme-controlled reactions.

Question 4

What is the importance of iron ions?

Answer 4

Haemoglobin contains Fe2+ at its centre which binds to oxygen, to temporarily become Fe3+. This is important in transporting oxygen dround the body in the bloodstream.

Question 5

What is the importance of sodium ions?

Answer 5

Sodium ions are involved in co-transport across cell membranes and active transport. They are also needed for nerve impulse transmission.

Question 6

What is the importance of phosphate ions?

Answer 6

Bonds between phosphate groups store energy in ATP. Phosphate groups also allow DNA and RNA nucleotides to join to form polynucleotides. Phosphate ions also make up the hydrophilic phosphate head in phospholipids.