Inorganic Ions Flashcards
What are the properties of hydrogen?
It lowers the pH. The pH of a solution is calculated by the concentration of hydrogen ions in the solution. The higher the hydrogen, the lower the pH.
What is hydrogen used for?
Regulates pH for enzymes. High CO2 concentrations increases hydrogen concentration which lowers pH and causes the release of oxygen to the tissues. Important in respiration and photosynthesis.
What is the structure of haemoglobin?
Haemoglobin is a large protein with a quaternary structure. It is made up from 4 polypeptide chains and 4 heam groups. The heam groups contain iron, which oxygen binds to.
Why is iron essential in the blood?
It’s essential for the transport of O2. The binding of the oxygen changes the shape of the haemoglobin molecule which makes it easier for subsequent O2 to bind.
What is sodium used for?
Glucose and amino acids are moved across cello membranes by co-transport with sodium, which is essential or efficient absorption of glucose in the small intestine.
What are the properties of phosphate?
Phosphate groups are charged which means they’re attracted to polar water molecules. In phospholipids, the phosphate group forms the hydrophilic head. Phosphates form high energy bonds between each other which are easily hydrolysed. Addition of phosphate lowers activation energy.
What are phosphates used for?
Make up part of the phospholipids that make cell membranes such as the bilayer.
Essential part of ATP, RNA and DNA. In ATP, the high energy bonds between the phosphate groups store energy from respiration and release when required e.g. for active transport.
Phosphorylation of glucose in glycolysis is first step in respiration.
