inorganic ions

Question 1

What is the role of the inorganic ion nitrate? (2)

Answer 1

Absorbed from soil and is an important source of nitrogen;

Which is used to make amino acids and nucleic acids

Question 2

What is the role of the inorganic ion hydrogen-carbonate? (2)

Answer 2

Acts as a buffer;
To help maintain blood pH

Question 3

What is the role of the inorganic ion chloride? (2)

Answer 3

Involved in chloride shift, which helps maintain the pH of blood during gas exchange;

Also acts as a cofactor for amylase and is involved in some nerve impulses

Question 4

What is the role of the inorganic ion phosphate? (2)

Answer 4

Involved in photosynthesis and respiration;

Needed for the synthesis of many biological molecules, such as nucleotides (including ATP), phospholipids, and calcium phosphate (which strengthens bones)

Question 5

What is the role of the inorganic ion hydroxide? (2)

Answer 5

Affects the pH of substances;

More hydroxide ions than hydrogen ions present in a solution creates an alkali

Question 6

What is the role of calcium, Ca²⁺? (4)

Answer 6

Transmission of nerve impulses;

Release of insulin from the pancreas;

Cofactor for many enzymes (e.g., involved in blood clotting);

Important in bone formation

Question 7

What is the role of sodium, Na⁺? (2)

Answer 7

Generating nerve impulses;

Muscle contraction;

Regulation of fluid balance

Question 8

What is the role of potassium, K⁺? (4)

Answer 8

Generating nerve impulses;

Muscle contraction;

Regulation of fluid balance;

Activates essential enzymes needed for photosynthesis

Question 9

What is the role of hydrogen, H⁺? (2)

Answer 9

Affects pH of substances;

Important for photosynthesis reactions in thylakoid membranes inside chloroplasts

Question 10

What is the role of ammonium, NH₄⁺? (2)

Answer 10

Absorbed from the soil by plants;

Important source of nitrogen used to make amino acids and nucleic acids