Inorganic ions

Question 1

Define inorganic

Answer 1

Doesn’t contain carbon

Question 2

Show the chemical symbol and biological processes Calcium ions are responsible for

Answer 2

1. Ca2+
2. Involved in the transmission of nerve impulses and the release of insulin
3. Acts as a co-factor for many enzymes
4. Important in bone formation

Question 3

Show the chemical symbol and biological processes potassium ions are responsible for

Answer 3

1. K+
2. Important for generating nerve impulses, for muscle contraction and for regulating fluid balance in the body
3. Activates essential enzymes needed for photosynthesis in plant cells- stomatal opening

Question 4

Show the chemical symbol and biological processes Hydrogen ions are responsible for

Answer 4

1. H+
2. Affects the pH of substances
3. Catalyses reactions
4. Important for photosynthesis reactions that occur in the thylakoid membranes inside.

Question 5

Show the chemical symbol and biological processes sodium ions are responsible for

Answer 5

1. Na+

2. Important for generating nerve impulses, for muscle contraction and for regulating fluid balance in the body

Question 6

Show the chemical symbol and biological processes ammonium ions are responsible for

Answer 6

1. NH4+

2. Production of nitrate ions by bacteria

Question 7

Show the chemical symbol and biological processes nitrate ions are responsible for

Answer 7

1. NO3-

2. Absorbed from the soil by plants and is an important source of nitrogen

Question 8

Show the chemical symbol and biological processes Hydrogencarbonate ions are responsible for

Answer 8

1. HCO3-

2. Acts as a buffer which helps to maintain the pH of the blood

Question 9

Show the chemical symbol and biological processes chloride ions are responsible for

Answer 9

1. Cl-
2. Involved in the chloride shift which helps to maintain the pH of the blood during gas exchange
3. Acts as a cofactor for the enzyme amlyase
4. Also involved in some nerve impulses

Question 10

Show the chemical symbol and biological processes Phosphate ions are responsible for

Answer 10

1. PO4 3-
2. Involved in photosynthesis and respiration reactions.
3. Needed for cell membrane formation
4. Needed for nucleic acid and ATP formation
5. Needed for bone formation- calcium phosphate

Question 11

Show the chemical symbol and biological processes Hydroxide ions are responsible for

Answer 11

1. OH-
2. Affects the pH of substances
3. Catalyses reactions.