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 concs some in low

Question 2

Describe the role of hydrogen ions

Answer 2

• maintain pH levels in the body - high concentration = acidic / pH
• affects enzyme rate of reaction as can cause enzymes to denature

Question 3

Explain the role of iron ions

Answer 3

• component of haem group of haemoglobin
• allowing oxygen to bind / associate for transport as oxyhemoglobin

Question 4

Explain the role of sodium ions

Answer 4

• involved in co-transport of glucose / amino acids into cells
• involved in action potentials in neurons
• affects water potential of cells / osmosis

Question 5

Explain the role of phosphate ions

Answer 5

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