3.1.8 Inorganic Ions Flashcards
What is an ion?
An ion is an atom, or group of atoms, that has an electrical charge.
What is a cation?
A positive ion
What is an anion?
A negative ion
What is an inorganic ion?
An inorganic ion is an ion that does not contain carbon.
What is the function of iron ions in organisms?
-Fe2+ (cation)
-they are found inn the haemoglobin of red blood cells, and bind to oxygen atoms to transport it in the blood
-therefore iron is used to transport oxygen around organisms via the blood, so is crucial for the survival of most organisms.
How does the body regulate ion levels?
Through organs eg. The kidney
Why are inorganic ions important in organisms?
They play an important role in many essential cellular processes in organisms. Each type of ion has a specific role, depending on its properties.
Where are inorganic ions found in organisms?
They occur in solution in the cytoplasm and bodily fluids of organisms. Some are in high concentrations, and others are in low concentrations.
What is the function of hydrogen ions in organisms?
-H+ (cation)
-they are used to maintain and regulate pH levels in the body
-the greater the concentration of H+ ions, the lower the pH (more acidic).
-this helps to maintain pH at the optimum levels for enzyme activity.
What is the function of sodium ions in organisms?
-Na+ (cation)
-play an important role in the nervous system, and communication between neurones
-it also helps molecules, such as glucose and amino acids to be transported across the cell membrane, and enter the cell through co-transport.
What is the function of nitrate ions in organisms?
-(NO3)- (anion)
-play an important role in the synthesis of proteins in plants
-needed for the process of growth and repair in plants
What is the function of phosphates in organisms?
-(PO4)3- (anion)
-found in the phosphate group groups that are attached to many biological molecules eg. DNA, RNA, ATP
-phosphorylation is the addition of a phosphate group to a molecule to make it more reactive
-phospholipids form the phospholipid bilayer in cell membranes
-a useful energy store in ATP
-play an important structural role in DNA and RNA
What is the function of potassium ions in organisms?
-K+ (cation)
-play an important role in the conduction of nerve impulses
