3.1.8 Inorganic Ions

Question 1

What are inorganic ions and where are they found in the body?

Answer 1

• Ions that do not contain carbon atoms.
• Found in cytoplasm and extracellular fluid.
• May be in high or very low concentrations

Question 2

Explain the role of hydrogen ions in the body.

Answer 2

High concentration of H⁺ = low (acidic) pH.
- H⁺ ions interact with hydrogen bonds and ionic bonds in tertiary structure of proteins, which can cause them to denature.

Question 3

Explain the role of iron ions in the body.

Answer 3

Fe²⁺ bonds to porphyrin ring to form haem group in haemoglobin.
Haem group had binding site to transport 1 molecule of O₂ around the body in the bloodstream.
4 haem groups per haemoglobin molecule.

Question 4

Explain the role of sodium ions in the body.

Answer 4

Involved in co-transport for absorption of glucose and amino acids in lumen of gut.
Involved in propagation of action potentials in neurons.

Question 5

Explain the role of phosphate ions in the body.

Answer 5

DNA, ATP, NADP, cAMP