Inorganic Ions

Question 1

state where inorganic ions can be found in the body (2 marks)

Answer 1

-in solution in the cytoplasm and body fluids of organisms
-some in high concentrations and others in very low concentrations

Question 2

name 4 key inorganic ions in body (4 marks)

Answer 2

-hydrogen ions (H+)
-iron ions (Fe2+)
-Sodium ions (Na+)
-Phosphate ion (PO43-)

Question 3

Phosphate ions – PO43- role in body (4 marks)

Answer 3

-attached to other molecules as a phosphate group
-form the phosphate groups of DNA/RNA nucleotides
-enables nucleotides to join together – phosphodiester bonds form.
-phosphate ions form the phosphate groups of ATP - breaking the bonds between the phosphate groups in ATP releases energy

Question 4

Sodium ions– Na+ role in body (1 mark)

Answer 4

-co transport of glucose and amino acids across cell membranes

Question 5

Hydrogen ions – H+ role in body (2 marks)

Answer 5

-maintain pH levels in the body- too much H+ = acidic (low pH), too little H+ = alkaline (high pH)
-affects rate of enzyme reactions as it can cause enzymes to denature

Question 6

Iron ions - Fe2+ role in body (2 marks)

Answer 6

-component of haem group of haemoglobin
-allows oxygen to bind for transport of oxyhaemoglobin