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 very low concentrations

Question 2

Describe the role of hydrogen, iron, sodium and phosphate ions

Answer 2

Hydrogen
ions (H+) :
● Maintain pH levels in the body → high concentration = acidic / low pH
● Affects enzyme rate of reaction as can cause enzymes to denature

Iron ions :
(Fe2+)
● Component of haem group of haemoglobin
● Allowing oxygen to bind / associate for transport as oxyhaemoglobin

Sodium
ions (Na+) :
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

Phosphate
ions (PO43-) :
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, allowing a bilayer to form