1.6 & 1.7 - inorganic ions & water Flashcards
1
Q
why are inorganic ions important
A
- 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
2
Q
calcium ions
A
- Ca2+
- helps harden body parts such as bones and teeth
- helps with movement of organismso
3
Q
importance of calcium in plants
A
calcium pectate formed to add stability to the middle lamella of cell wall
4
Q
nitrate ions
A
- NO3-
- key ions in plants
5
Q
importance of nitrate ions in plants
A
- absorbed in the soil
- used to make DNA, amino acids, NADP, NAD
6
Q
magnesium ion
A
- Mg2+
- important cofactors
7
Q
how do Mg2+ ions acts as cofactors
A
acts as cofactors for enzymes such as amylase and lipase which breakdown glucose and fats
8
Q
importance of Mg2+ ions for photosynthesis
A
- component of chloropyll which absorbs light energy for photosynthesis
9
Q
phosphate ion
A
PO43-
10
Q
where are phosphate groups found
A
found in RNA, DNA and ATP
11
Q
role of phosphate ions in making ATP & ADP
A
in ATP the energy is stored in the bonds between the three phosphate groups which make up ATP
12
Q
bonding in water
A
hydrogen
13
Q
properties of water - polar solvent
A
- 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
14
Q
properties of water- high specific heat capacity
A
- temperature of water doesn’t change easily
- this is why water is able to regulate temperature in our bodies
15
Q
properties of water - high surface tension
A
- slows water loss due to transpiration
