1.1 Chemistry For Life Flashcards
Name 4 anions
Nitrate ions
Phosphate ions
Chloride ions
Hydrogen carbonate ions
Name 4 cations
Sodium ions
Calcium ions
Hydrogen ions
Magnesium ions
What is the use of nitrate ions?
Formation of amino acids in plants
Formation of proteins from products of photosynthesis
Formation of DNA
What is the use of phosphate ions?
Formation of ATP and ADP in all living organisms
Formation of DNA and RNA
What is the use of chloride ions?
Needed in nerve impulses and many secretory systems
What is the use of hydrogen carbonate ions?
Needed for buffering of the blood to prevent it from becoming too acidic
What is the use of sodium ions?
Needed in nerve impulses and many secretory systems
What is the use of calcium ions?
Formation of calcium pectate for the middle lamella between 2 cell walls in plants
Bone formation
Muscle contraction in animals
What is the use of hydrogen ions?
Needed in cellular respiration and photosynthesis
Needed in numerous pumps and systems in organisms as well as pH balance
What is the use of magnesium ions?
Production of chlorophyll in plants
Name the properties of water.
Water is a polar solvent
Water is an excellent transport medium
Water has a high specific heat capacity
Water molecules are cohesive
Water molecules are adhesive
Water has a very high surface tension
Water is more dense than ice
Why is water a polar solvent?
Water is a polar molecule as many ionic substances like NaCl will dissolve in it
Why is water an excellent transport medium?
So many different substances can dissolve in it
Water also carries other substances such as starch that form colloids rather than solutions
Why does water have a high specific heat capacity?
The hydrogen bonds between the molecules mean it takes a lot of energy to separate them
Why are water molecules cohesive?
The forces between the molecules allow them to stick together
This allows movement of water from roots to the leaves of plants
