Inorganic ions

Question 1

Where are inorganic ions found in the body?

Answer 1

• in solution in cytoplasm & body fluid
• some in high conc others in very low conc

Question 2

What is the role of hydrogen ions?

Answer 2

• maintain pH levels in the body e.g. low pH is acidic
• affects rate of enzyme action since it can cause enzymes to denature

Question 3

What is the role of iron ions?

Answer 3

• component of haem group of haemoglobin
• allowing oxygen to bind for transport as oxyhaemoglobin

Question 4

What is the role of sodium ions?

Answer 4

• involved in co-transport in glucose/amino acids
• involved in action potentials in neurons
• affects water potential of cells

Question 5

What is the role of phosphate ions?

Answer 5

• component of nucleotides which allows phosphodiester bonds to form in DNA & RNA
• component of ATP allowing energy release
• phosphorylates other compounds making them more reactive
• hydrophilic parts of phospholipids allowing bilayer to form