Inorganic Ions Flashcards
What are inorganic ions?
-ion that doesn’t contain carbon
-occur in solution in cytoplasm + body fluids
-conc of certain ions can fluctuate
Examples of inorganic ions
-cations - H+, Ca2+, Fe3+, Na+ and K+
-anions - NO3-, HCO3-, Cl- and OH-
Hydrogen as an inorganic ion
-protons - concentration of H - determines the pH
-more H+ = lower pH
-fewer H+ = higher pH
-pH is important for enzyme controlled reactions
-maintenance of metabolic processes within cells
Calcium as inorganic ions
-essential for the movement of organisms
-in synapses - regulate transmission of impulses from neurone to neurone
-stimulates muscle contraction
-also regulates protein channels - affecting permeability
Iron as an inorganic ion
-2 versions: II + III
-essential as bind to O
-haemoglobin has 1 Fe2+ - binds to O
-also essential for transfer of electrons in respiration + photosynthesis
Sodium as an inorganic ion
-transport of glucose + amino acids across cell surface membranes
-only enter alongside Na+
Potassium as inorganic ion
-essential for nerve transmission
-K+ channels in axon membrane open = K+ down conc gradient
-returns PD back to normal = repolarisation
Ammonium as an inorganic ion
-forms during delaminating of proteins in liver + kidneys
Nitrate as an inorganic ion
-present in soil + take up by plants
Hydrogen carbonate as an inorganic ion
-work alongside H ions in transport of CO2 in blood
Phosphate an an inorganic ion
-attach to other molecules to form phosphate groups
-also found in phospholipids
Hydroxide as an inorganic ion
-bonding between biochemical molecules
-H bonds in DNA base pairing
