Section 2 - Biological Molecules

Question 1

Role of Calcium ions

Answer 1

Involved in transmission of nerve impulses, and release of insulin from the pancreas.

Acts as cofactor for the enzymes.

Question 2

Role of Sodium ions

Answer 2

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

Question 3

Role of Potassium ions

Answer 3

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

Activates essential enzymes needed for photosynthesis

Question 4

Role of Hydrogen ions.

Answer 4

Affects pH of substances.

Also important for photosynthesis reactions that occur in the thylakoid membranes inside the chloroplasts.

Question 5

Role of Ammonium ions

Answer 5

Absorbed from soil by plants and important source of nitrogen

Then used to make amino acids nucleic acids

Question 6

Role of Nitrate ions

Answer 6

Absorbed from soil by plants and important source of nitrogen

Then used to make amino acids nucleic acids

Question 7

Role of hydrogencarbonate ions

Answer 7

Acts as a buffer, helps maintain pH of blood

Question 8

Role of chloride ions

Answer 8

Involved in chloride shift which helps to maintain pH of blood during gas exchange.

Acts as a cofactor for enzyme amylase.

Also involved in some nerve impulses

Question 9

Role of phosphate ions

Answer 9

Involved in photosynthesis and respiration reactions.

Needed for synthesis of biological molecules such as nucleotides like ATP, phospholipids and calcium phosphate

Question 10

Role of hydroxide ions

Answer 10

Affects pH of substances