inorganic ions

Question 1

What are inorganic ions?

Answer 1

Ions that do not contain carbon atoms

Question 2

Where are inorganic ions found?

Answer 2

They are found in the cytoplasm and extracellular fluid. They may be in very high and low concentrations.

Question 3

What is the role of hydrogen ions in the body?

Answer 3

• A concentration of hydrogen H+ ions = Low ( acidic ) pH
• H+ ions interact with H- bonds and ionic bonds in tertiary structure of proteins which causes them to denature.

Question 4

Explain the role of iron ions in the body.

Answer 4

Fe 2+ bonds to porphyrin group to form haem group in haemoglobin.
Haem group has a binding site to transport one molecule of oxygen around the body in the bloodstream.
There are 4 haem groups in a haemoglobin molecule.

Question 5

What is the role of sodium ions in the body?

Answer 5

• They are involved in co - transport for the absorption of glucose and amino acids in the lumen of the gut.
• Involved in the propagation of action potentials for neurons.

Question 6

What is the role of phosphate ions in the body?

Answer 6

component of:
DNA
ATP
NADP
cAMP.