1.1 Chemistry for life Flashcards
What are the 4 inorganic anions
Phosphate, Hydrogen Carbonate, Chlorine and Nitrate
What are phosphate ions used for
Needed for ATP, ADP, DNA and RNA
What are hydrogen carbonate ions used for
Keeps the blood at a stable pH
What are chlorine ions used for
Needed at synapse for nerve impulses
What are nitrate ions used for
Needed so plants can form amino acids
What are the 4 inorganic cations
Sodium, Magnesium, Hydrogen and Calcium
What are sodium ions used for
Needed for nerve impulses
What are magnesium ions used for
Produces the chlorophyll in plants
What are hydrogen ions used for
Needed for respiration and photosynthesis
What are calcium ions used for
Needed for bone formation and muscle contractions
What is a polar molecule
It is a molecule where the electrons in the covalent bonds aren’t evenly shared
Name some properties of water
It is a polar solvent, it is cohesive and it has a high specific heat capacity
Why is water a good polar solvent
It allows ionic substances to dissolve in it.
Allows most chemical reactions within cells to occur in water
Why is being cohesive so important to water
The forces between the molecules allow them to stick together
Important for movement of water from roots to leaves
Why is having a high specific heat capacity so important to water
The hydrogen bonds allow it to have a high specific heat capacity
Allows organisms to live in water where it gets cold enough to freeze
