3.1.8 Inorganic Ions

Question 1

What are Inorganic Ions and where are they found in the body?

Answer 1

• Ions that don’t contain carbon atoms
• Found in cytoplasm and extracellular fluid
• May be in high or very low concentrations

Question 2

Explain the role of Hydrogen ions in the body

Answer 2

• High concentration of H+ means low acidic PH
• H+ ions interact with H-bonds and ionic bonds in tertiary structure of proteins causing them to denature

Question 3

Explain the role of Sodium ions in the body

Answer 3

• Involved in co-transport for absorption of glucose and amino acids in lumen of gut
• Involved in propagation of action potentials in neurons

Question 4

Explain the role of Iron ions in the body

Answer 4

• Fe2+ bonds to porphyrin ring to form haem group in haemoglobin
• Haem group has binding site to transport 1 molecule of oxygen around the body in bloodstream

Question 5

Explain the role of Phosphate ions in the body

Answer 5

4 haem groups per haemoglobin molecule and is a component of DNA , ATP , NADP and cAMP