Inorganic Ions Flashcards
What are inorganic ions?
Charged atoms or molecules that fall into two categories: cation and anions
What is the difference between cations and anions?
Cations are positively charged ions and anions are negatively charged ions
Why are inorganic ions essential?
Inorganic ions are essential because they are components of many biological molecules (in DNA molecule, there are phosphate ions) and they are involved in key biological processes such as respiration
WHat can inorganic ions also be classed as?
Inorganic ions can also be classed as micronutrients (trace elements) and macronutrients (main elements)
What is needed more in an organism. macronutrients or micronutrients?
Macronutrients are needed by organisms in larger quantities than micronutrients
If certain organisms do not acquire enough inorganic ions, what can occur?
If certain organisms do not acquire enough of a particular inorganic ion, they can become deficient
What are the three main types of ion?
Calcium ions, Sodium ions and Potassium ions
What is the formula for calcium? What does this make it, a cation or anion?
The formula for calcium is CA2+, which makes it a cation
What roles do calcium ions do for the body?
Calcium ions help harden body parts such as bones, teeth and exoskeletons
They help with the movement of organisms (stimulating muscle contractions)
Calcium ions are necessary for the formation of blood clots
What is the formula for sodium? What does this make it, a cation or anion?
The formula for sodium is Na+, making it a cation
What roles do sodium ions have in the body?
Sodium ions help plant cells remain turgid, regulate water absorption in the kidney and are involved in the maintenance of pH levels
What is the formula for potassium? What does this make it, a cation or anion?
The formula is K+, making it cation
What roles do potassium ions have in the body?
Potassium ions assist in active transport, maintain pH level in the body and aid the growth of healthy leaves and flowers
