3.1.8 Inorganic ions Flashcards

1
Q

What are the functions of hydorgen atoms ?

A

● pH is calculated based on the concentration of hydrogen ions (H+
). The more H+
present the lower the pH level and the more acidic the environment is.
● Enzyme-controlled reactions are affected by pH.

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2
Q

What are the functions of Iron ions ?

A

● Haemoglobin is a large protein that carries oxygen around the body in red blood
cells
● It’s made of four polypeptide chains - each with an iron ion in the centre
● The iron ion is a key component that binds to the oxygen in haemoglobin
● When oxygen is bound, the Fe2+ ion temporarily becomes an Fe3+ ion until oxygen is
released

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3
Q

What is the function calcium ions ?

A

● As calcium phosphate it provides a hard, strong, insoluble matrix in bones and
teeth in mammals
● Required for blood clotting in mammals
● As calcium pectate in plant cell walls it forms a matrix in which cellulose fibres lie
● Involved in the transmission of action potentials from one neurone to another in
muscle contraction

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4
Q

What is the function of sodium ions ?

A

● Helps glucose and amino acids cross cell membranes
● A molecule of glucose or an amino acid can be transported into a cell across the
cell-surface membrane alongside sodium ions (Na+
)
● This is known as co-transport

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5
Q

What is the function of potassium ions ?

A

● Constantly pumped into cells by active transport in exchange for sodium ions
● Important in the transmission of nerve impulses

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6
Q

What is the function of magnesium ions ?

A

● Forms part of the chlorophyll molecules in plants
● Important for the absorption of light energy to drive the reactions of photosynthesis

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7
Q

What is the function of chloride ions ?

A

● Moved out of cells lining the lungs and digestive system to provide a low water
potential outside the cell causing water to follow so mucus is not thick and stiff
(failure of this mechanism causes cystic fibrosis)

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8
Q

What is the function of nitrate ions ?

A

● Used to produce amino acids and proteins from the carbohydrates made in plants
by photosynthesis

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9
Q

What is the function of phosphate ions ?

A

● Used in production of nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) production of ATP (energy
currency of cells) and phospholipids which are essential in cell membranes

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10
Q
A
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