3.1.8 Inorganic Ions Flashcards
Q: What is the role of hydrogen ions (H⁺) in biological systems?
A: Hydrogen ions influence the pH of solutions. The concentration of H⁺ ions determines whether a solution is acidic or alkaline, which affects enzyme activity and various biochemical processes.
Q: How does the concentration of hydrogen ions affect pH?
A: The pH of a solution is inversely proportional to the concentration of hydrogen ions. Higher H⁺ concentration results in a lower pH (more acidic), while lower H⁺ concentration results in a higher pH (more alkaline).
Q: What is the role of iron ions (Fe²⁺) in the body?
A: Iron ions are a key component of haemoglobin, which is crucial for oxygen transport in the blood. Fe²⁺ binds to oxygen molecules, allowing haemoglobin to carry oxygen from the lungs to tissues.
Q: Why is iron important for haemoglobin function?
A: Iron ions within the haemoglobin molecule form coordination bonds with oxygen. This binding is essential for haemoglobin to effectively pick up and release oxygen as blood circulates through the body.
Q: What is the role of sodium ions (Na⁺) in the co-transport of glucose and amino acids?
A: Sodium ions are involved in co-transport mechanisms in the gut and kidneys, where they help to move glucose and amino acids into cells against their concentration gradients by using the sodium gradient established by the Na⁺/K⁺ pump.
Q: How do sodium ions facilitate the co-transport of glucose and amino acids?
A: Sodium ions move down their electrochemical gradient into cells through co-transport proteins, which simultaneously transport glucose or amino acids into the cell, utilizing the energy of the Na⁺ gradient
Q: What is the role of phosphate ions (PO₄³⁻) in DNA?
A: Phosphate ions are a key component of the DNA backbone, forming phosphodiester bonds between nucleotides. This structure helps stabilize the DNA molecule and maintain its integrity.
Q: How are phosphate ions involved in ATP?
A: Phosphate ions are part of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), where they are linked in a chain. The energy stored in the high-energy phosphate bonds is used for various cellular processes, including muscle contraction and active transport.
Q: Why are phosphate groups important in ATP?
A: Phosphate groups in ATP store and release energy through the hydrolysis of their high-energy bonds. This energy is essential for driving biochemical reactions and cellular activities.
