(3.1.8) inorganic ions

Question 1

what is the function of a sodium (Na+) ion?

Answer 1

• used in the co-transport of glucose and amino acids in the small intestine because sodium moved out of active transport

Question 2

what is the function of a hydrogen (H+) ion?

Answer 2

• changes the pH of solutions by making it more acidic
• can also be used to create electrochemical gradients in the production of ATP

Question 3

what is the function of an iron (Fe+) ion?

Answer 3

• a component of haemoglobin in red blood cells as it is positively charged to attract and bond to oxygen ions, in order to transport oxygen around the body

Question 4

what is the function of a phosphate (PO43-) ion?

Answer 4

• important in the production of ATP to provide energy through the body + phosphorylating other compounds
• important in the production of nucleic acids as it’s featured in the structure of DNA and RNA nucleotides
• important in the production of phospholipids as they need a polar, hydrophilic phosphate head to provide a bilayer for cell membranes