Inorganic ions Flashcards
Where can inorganic ions be found?
In solution in the cytoplasm and bodily fluids of organisms
What is an organic ion?
An ion that contains carbon
What is an inorganic ion?
An ion that does not contain carbon.
Which organ does the body regulate its ion levels?
Kidney
What are the 4 main inorganic ions in the body?
Iron, hydrogen, sodium, phosphate
Where are iron ions found and what are the functions of them?
They are found in red blood cells and are used for oxygen transport in haemoglobin by binding to oxygen.
What are the functions of hydrogen ions?
They regulate pH in organisms. The greater the concentration of hydrogen ions, the lower the pH. H+ ions are also important in ATP synthesis in the mitochondria during cellular respiration
If there is a high concentration of H+ ions, will there be a low or high pH?
Low
What are the functions of sodium ions?
They are important in the nervous system and for communication between the neurones. Sodium helps molecules such as glucose and amino acids to cross the cell membrane to enter the cell through co-transport.
How are phosphate ions found and what are the functions of phosphate ions?
They are often attached to many biological molecules as phosphate groups such as PO4 3-. They are found in DNA, RNA and ATP. Phosphates are also found in phospholipids that form the phospholipid bilayer.
How can phosphate groups be made more reactive?
Phosphate groups can be added to molecules to make them more reactive through phosphorylation.
