1.6 & 1.7 - inorganic ions & water Flashcards
why are inorganic ions important
- components of many biological molecules
- involved in key biological processes, e.g. respiration
- if an organism doesn’t get enough of a particular ion, they can become deficient
calcium ions
- Ca2+
- helps harden body parts such as bones and teeth
- helps with movement of organismso
importance of calcium in plants
calcium pectate formed to add stability to the middle lamella of cell wall
nitrate ions
- NO3-
- key ions in plants
importance of nitrate ions in plants
- absorbed in the soil
- used to make DNA, amino acids, NADP, NAD
magnesium ion
- Mg2+
- important cofactors
how do Mg2+ ions acts as cofactors
acts as cofactors for enzymes such as amylase and lipase which breakdown glucose and fats
importance of Mg2+ ions for photosynthesis
- component of chloropyll which absorbs light energy for photosynthesis
phosphate ion
PO43-
where are phosphate groups found
found in RNA, DNA and ATP
role of phosphate ions in making ATP & ADP
in ATP the energy is stored in the bonds between the three phosphate groups which make up ATP
bonding in water
hydrogen
properties of water - polar solvent
- water allows polar molecules to dissolve in it as water molecules are attracted to these types of compounds so they dissolve
- cohesion
- forms hydrogen bonds
properties of water- high specific heat capacity
- temperature of water doesn’t change easily
- this is why water is able to regulate temperature in our bodies
properties of water - high surface tension
- slows water loss due to transpiration
properties of water - incompressible
- provides turgidity to plant cells
- due to strong intermolecular bonds between the water molecules
properties of water - max density at 4°C
- water is most dense at 4°C when it is still a liquid
why is ice less dense than water
water molecules are held further apart in ice than water
- hence ice floats creating a layer of insulation so the rest of the water doesn’t freeze
what are the 5 properties of water
- high specific heat capacity
- polar solvent
- high surface tension
- incompressible
- maximum density at 4°C
