1.8 inorganic ions

Question 1

where are inorganic ions found in the body

Answer 1

in solution in cytoplasm and body fluid, some in high concentrations and others in low concentrations

Question 2

what are the inorganic ions

Answer 2

• hydrogen ions
• iron ions
• sodium ions
• phosphate ions

Question 3

describe the role of hydrogen ions

Answer 3

• maintains pH levels in the body as a high concentration = acidic/low pH
• affects enzymes rate of reaction as can cause enzymes to denature

Question 4

describe the role of iron ions

Answer 4

• component of haemoglobin
• allows oxygen to bind/associate for transport as oxyhaemoglobin

Question 5

describe the role of sodium ions

Answer 5

1. involved in co transport of glucose/amino acids into cells
2. involved in action potentials in neurons
3. affects water potential of cells/osmosis

Question 6

describe the role of phosphate ions

Answer 6

1. component of nucleotides, allowing phosphodiester bonds to form in DNA/RNA
2. component of ATP, allowing energy release
3. phosphorylates other compounds making them more reactive
4. hydrophilic part of phospholipids allows a bilayer to form