🩷 3.1.8 Inorganic Ions

Question 1

Where do inorganic ions occur in solution?

Answer 1

In the cytoplasm and body fluids of organisms

Question 2

What are the two types of environments inorganic ions occur?

Answer 2

High concentrations and others in very low concentrations

Question 3

There are four types of inorganic ions. You need to know. What are they?

Answer 3

Hydrogen ions (protons), iron ions, phosphate ions and sodium ions.

Question 4

What is the role of hydrogen ions?

Answer 4

• The concentration of hydrogen ions in a solution determines the pH
• The more hydrogen ions present the lower the pH (the more acidic)
• The fewer hydrogen ions present the higher the pH (the more alkaline)
• The concentration of hydrogen ions is therefore very important for enzyme controlled reactions which are all affected by PH

Question 5

What is the role of iron ions?

Answer 5

• Iron ions are essential as they combined to oxygen
• Haemoglobin is the large protein in red blood cells that is responsible for transporting oxygen around the body. Haemoglobin is made up of four polypeptide chain that contains one iron molecule (Fe2+)
• The iron ion is known as the prosthetic group in haemoglobin

Question 6

What is the role of phosphate ions?

Answer 6

• phosphate attaches to other molecules to form phosphate groups which are an essential component of DNA, RNA and ATP.
• in DNA and RNA, the phosphate groups allow individual nucleotides to join up to form polynucleotides
• in ATP the bonds between phosphate group store energy

Question 7

What is the role of sodium ions?

Answer 7

• sodium is required for the transport of glucose and amino acids across cell surface membrane
• glucose and amino acids molecules can only enter cells (along carrier proteins) alongside sodium molecule. This process is known as car transport.