Inorganic molecules Flashcards
Sodium Ion (Na⁺)
Generation of nerve impulses (action potentials).
Potassium Ion (K⁺)
Transmission of nerve impulses (resting potential and action potential).
Calcium Ion (Ca²⁺)
Muscle contraction (activates proteins in muscle cells, such as troponin, in the sliding filament mechanism).
Magnesium Ion (Mg²⁺)
Component of chlorophyll, required for photosynthesis in plants.
Chloride Ion (Cl⁻)
Maintains osmotic balance and is involved in the production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach for digestion.
Hydrogen Ion (H⁺)
Regulates pH (maintains acid-base balance in blood and tissues)
Nitrate Ion (NO₃⁻)
Source of nitrogen for plants, used to synthesize amino acids and proteins.
Phosphate Ion (PO₄³⁻)
Energy transfer (ATP, also a component of DNA, RNA, and cell membranes).
Hydroxide Ion (OH⁻)
Regulates pH (acts as a base in acid-base reactions, helps buffer body fluids).
Bicarbonate Ion (HCO₃⁻)
Buffers pH in blood (maintains acid-base balance during respiration).
Ammonium Ion (NH₄⁺)
Source of nitrogen in the nitrogen cycle, used by plants for the synthesis of amino acids and other organic molecules.
Sulfate Ion (SO₄²⁻)
Source of sulfur for plants, required for the synthesis of amino acids (e.g., cysteine and methionine).
Iron Ion (Fe²⁺)
Component of hemoglobin in red blood cells, essential for oxygen transport in animals.
Hydrogen Carbonate Ion (HCO₃⁻)
Buffers pH in the blood, helping to regulate the pH during carbon dioxide transport.
Calcium Ion (Ca²⁺)
Involved in blood clotting, and plays a role in the activation of enzymes and muscle contractions.
