More biological molecules: Inorganic ions

Question 1

Define inorganic ion

Answer 1

A molecule or atom with an overall charge that does not contain any carbon

Question 2

How are ions formed

Answer 2

They are formed by the transfer of electrons

Question 3

State what negative ions are called

Answer 3

Anions

Question 4

State what positive ions are called

Answer 4

Cations

Question 5

Where are inorganic ions found

Answer 5

• In living situations they occur in solution in the cytoplasm and body fluids of organisms (e.g blood)
• They can also be found in non living situations

Question 6

State what different conditions inorganic ions can occur in

Answer 6

Some in high concentrations - some in low concentrations

Question 7

State the four important inorganic compounds in biology

Answer 7

• Iron ions
• Phosphate ions
• Sodium ions
• Hydrogen ions

Question 8

State where iron ions are found

Answer 8

They are found in the haemoglobin in red blood cell

Question 9

State the role of the Iron ions (Fe2+)

Answer 9

They bind to oxygen so they can be transported around the body to the cells and temporarily becomes Fe3+ until oxygen is released

Question 10

State the role of sodium ions (Na+)

Answer 10

Na+ transports glucose and amino acids across cell membrane via co-transport

Question 10

State the roles of phosphate ions

Answer 10

• They can be added to molecule to make them more reactive during phosphorylation
• In DNA/RNA it allows nucleotides join to form polynucleotide chains.
• In ATP; bonds between phosphates that store energy.

Question 10

State the role of hydrogen ions

Answer 10

• H+ ions determine pH
• More H+ ions present means the lower the pH (acidic)
• Less H+ ions present means the higher the pH (alkali)

Question 11

State where phosphate ions are found in

Answer 11

• Cell membrane
• DNA/RNA
• ATP