1.7 Inorganic Ions

Question 1

How are hydrogen ions beneficial?

Answer 1

Important in determining the pH of solutions and therefore the functioning of enzymes.
Mitochondria accumulate H+ in the intermembrane space to allow aerobic respiration to take place.

Question 2

How are iron ions beneficial?

Answer 2

Iron ions are the central part of the haem group in haemoglobin, allowing red blood cells to transport O2 and CO2.

Question 3

How are sodium ions beneficial?

Answer 3

Transport of sodium ions across the cell membrane of cells in the intestine allows the co-transport of glucose and amino acids.

Question 4

How are phosphate ions beneficial?

Answer 4

Phosphate ions are an essential part of the sugar-phosphate backbone of DNA molecules.
Phosphate can phosphorylate compounds making them more reactive.
Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) can form ADP and release a phosphate ion along with energy.
ADP can also store energy by gaining a phosphate ion and taking in energy.