inorganic ions

Question 1

name the five inorganic ions

Answer 1

hydrogen ions (H+)
iron ions
sodium ions
phosphate ions
calcium ions

Question 2

what are the properties of hydrogen ions?

Answer 2

• (maintains pH levels)
• the concentration of H+ ions in a solution determines the pH
• the concentration of H+ ions is important for enzyme controlled reactions as they are all affected by pH - changes in pH can affect enzyme structure (denaturing)

Question 3

what are the properties of iron ions?

Answer 3

• they can bind to oxygen
• they are part of haemoglobin, so their ability to bind to oxygen helps haemoglobin bind to oxygen to form oxy-haemoglobin so it can be transported around the body

Question 4

what are the two versions of iron ions?

Answer 4

• Fe 2+ (ferrous)
• Fe 3+ (ferric)

Question 5

what are the properties/roles of sodium ions?

Answer 5

• Na+ is required for the co-transport of glucose and amino acids across cell surface membranes (e.g - small intestine)
• required for the transmission of nerve impulses
• affects water potential of cells/ osmosis

Question 6

what are the properties of phosphate ions?

Answer 6

• its a component of nucleotides, allowing phosphodiester bonds to form in DNA/RNA
• its a component of ATP, allowing energy release
• it phosphorylates other compounds to make them more reactive
• phosphates are found in hydrophilic part of phospholipids, allowing a bilayer to form

Question 7

what are the properties/roles of calcium ions?

Answer 7

• they regulate the transmission of impulses
• stimulates muscle contraction
• can help regulate protein channels which affects the permeability of cell membranes
• necessary for formation of blood clots