BM: Inorganic Ions Flashcards
What is an ion?
An atom (or group of atoms) that has an electric charge.
Ion with a positive charge.
Cation.
Ion with a negative charge.
Anion.
Cation.
Ion with a positive charge.
Anion.
Ion with a negative charge.
Inorganic ion.
Ion which doesn’t contain carbon/
Ion which doesn’t contain carbon/
Inorganic ion.
Where can inorganic ions be found?
In solution, in the cytoplasms of the cells and in the body fluids of organisms.
What determines the role of an ion?
What does the role of an ion determine?
The ion’s specific role depends on its properties, and an ion’s role determines whether it is found in high or low concentrations.
Give examples of inorganic ions:
- Iron ions
- Hydrogen ions
- Sodium ions
- Phosphate ions
Explain the importance of iron ions in haemoglobin:
- Haemoglobin is made of four different polypeptide chains, each with an iron ion in the centre.
- It’s the Fe2+ the binds the oxygen to haemoglobin.
What is haemoglobin?
A large protein that carries oxygen around the body, in the red blood cells.
When oxygen binds to haemoglobin, what happens to the iron ion?
Fe2+ temporarily changes to Fe3+, until the oxygen is released.
Why are hydrogen ions important?
The amount present determines the pH.
This affects enzyme-controlled reactions.
How is pH calculated?
Based on the concentration of hydrogen ions in the environment.
The more H+ present, the lower the pH and the more acidic the environment.
