1.8 Inorganic Ions

Question 1

What are inorganic ions and where are they found in the body

Answer 1

Ions that do not contain carbon atoms

Found in cytoplasm and extracellular fluid

May be in high/ low concentrations

Question 2

Role of H+ ions

Answer 2

High conc of H+ ions = low pH

H+ ions interact with H-bonds and ionic bonds in tertiary structures of proteins which can cause them to denature

Question 3

Role of iron ions

Answer 3

Fe²+ bonds to porphyria ring to form haem group in haemoglobin

Haem group has binding site to transport 1 molecule of O² around body in bloodstream

4 haem groups per haemoglobin molecule

Question 4

Role of sodium ions

Answer 4

Involved in Co transport for absorption of glucose and amino Acids in lumen of gut

Sodium Potassium pump acts to create concentration gradients between sodium and potassium ions

Vital in nerve impulse transmission, heart contractions and kidney functions

Question 5

Role of phosphate ions

Answer 5

Component of ADP and ATP

Important role in storing energy in ATP molecules

Component of DNA, forming sugar phosphate backbone of double helix molecule