1.8 Inorganic ions

Question 1

What is the role of phosphate ions?

Answer 1

PO4 3-
Attached to other molecules as a phosphate group eg/
- in DNA nucleotides, enabling nucleotides to join together forming phosphodiester bonds
- in ATP - bonds between these store/release energy

Question 2

What is the role of hydrogen ions?

Answer 2

H+
Maintain pH levels in the body
- Too much H+ = acidic
- Too little H+ = alkaline
- Affects rate of enzyme-controlled reactions as can cause enzymes to denature

Question 3

What is the role of iron ions?

Answer 3

Fe 3+
- Components of haemoglobin which is contained in red blood cells
- Transports oxygen around the body