Biological Molecules: Inorganic Ions Flashcards
1
Q
what is an inorganic ion?
A
one that does not contain carbon
2
Q
what are examples of inorganic ions?
A
iron ions(haemoglobin), hydrogen ions, sodium ions, phosphate ions
3
Q
what are iron ions used for?
A
- haemoglobin is made of 4 polypeptide chains each with iron ion in centre
- Fe2+ binds to the oxygen in the haemoglobin
- when oxygen is bound to Fe2+ is temporarily changes to Fe3+
4
Q
what are hydrogen ions used for?
A
pH - concentration of hydrogen ions
- more H+ present, lower the pH
5
Q
what are sodium ions used for?
A
glucose or amino acids can be transported alongside sodium ions in co transport
6
Q
what are phosphate ions used for?
A
DNA, RNA and ATP contain phosphate groups
- phosphate groups in DNA and RNA allow nucleotides to join to form polynucleotides
7
Q
where do inorganic ions occur?
A
in solution in the cytoplasm and body fluids of the organism, some in high concentrations and some in very low
