Ions Flashcards
What is an organic ion?
An ion with a high proportion of carbon atoms.
What is an in-organic ion?
An ion with no more than one carbon atom.
What is an electrolyte?
An in-organic ion.
What is a micronutrient?
A nutrient needed in minute amounts.
Which is needed in larger amounts, micronutrients or macronutrients?
Macronutrients.
Define a macronutrient.
A nutrient needed in small amounts.
What is magnesium needed for in plants?
To make chlorophyll.
What is it called when a plant goes yellow because it doesn’t have chlorophyll? Why?
It is called chlorosis. This happens because without chlorophyll, plants cannot do photosynthesis.
What are all the important in-organic ions?
Magnesium, iron, phosphate, calcium and nitrate.
What is magnesium used for in animals?
Bones.
What is iron used for in animals?
It makes haemoglobin.
What does a lack of iron lead to?
Anemia.
What is phosphate used for?
Makes nucleotides which is the base of nucleic acids/DNA. They are also a constituent of phospholipids used in biological membranes.
What is calcium used for in animals?
Bones and teeth.
What is calcium used for in plants?
Strengthening the cell wall.
