section 2: biological molecules - topic 6: inorganic ions Flashcards

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1
Q

what is an ion?

A

an atom (or group of atoms) that has an electrical charge.

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2
Q

what is an inorganic ion?

A

an ion that doesn’t contain carbon.
(though there are a few exceptions)

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3
Q

what is an ion with a positive charge called?

A

a cation.

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4
Q

what is an ion with a negative charge called?

A

an anion.

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5
Q

what are the 5 cations we need to know?

A

calcium.
sodium.
potassium.
hydrogen.
ammonium.

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6
Q

what is the chemical symbol of calcium?

A

Ca^2+

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7
Q

what is the chemical symbol of sodium?

A

Na+

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8
Q

what is the chemical symbol of potassium?

A

K+

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9
Q

what is the chemical symbol of hydrogen?

A

H+

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10
Q

what is the chemical symbol of ammonium?

A

NH4+

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11
Q

examples of calciums roles in biological processes.

A
  • involved in the transmission of nerve impulses and the release of insulin from the pancreas.
  • acts as a cofactor for many enzymes i.e. those involved in blood clotting.
  • is important for bone formation.
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12
Q

examples of sodiums roles in biological processes.

A
  • important for generating nerve impulses, for muscle contraction, and for regulating fluid balance in the body.
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13
Q

examples of potassiums roles in biological processes.

A
  • important for generating nerve impulses, for muscle contraction, and for regulating fluid balance in the body.
  • activates essential enzymes needed for photosynthesis in plant cells.
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14
Q

examples of hydrogens roles in biological processes.

A
  • affects the pH of substances (more H+ ions than OH- ions in a solution creates an acid).
  • also important for photosynthesis reactions that occur in the thylakoid membranes inside chloroplasts and respiration reactions that occur in the inner membrane of mitochondria.
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15
Q

examples of ammoniums roles in biological processes.

A
  • absorbed from the soil by plants and is an important source of nitrogen (which is then used to make amino acids, nucleic acids etc).
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16
Q

what are the 5 anions we need to know?

A

nitrate.
hydrogencarbonate.
chloride.
phosphate.
hydroxide.

17
Q

what is the chemical symbol of nitrate?

A

NO3-

18
Q

what is the chemical symbol of hydrogencarbonate?

A

HCO3-

19
Q

what is the chemical symbol of chloride?

A

Cl-

20
Q

what is the chemical symbol of phosphate?

A

PO4^3-

21
Q

what is the chemical symbol of hydroxide?

A

OH-

22
Q

examples of nitrates roles in biological processes.

A
  • absorbed from the soil by plants and is an important source of nitrogen (which is then used to make amino acids, nucleic acids etc).
23
Q

examples of hydrogencarbonates roles in biological processes.

A
  • acts as a buffer, which helps to maintain the pH of the blood.
24
Q

examples of chlorides roles in biological processes.

A
  • involved in the ‘chloride shift’ which helps to maintain the pH of the blood during gas exchange.
  • acts as a cofactor for the enzyme amylase.
  • also involved in some nerve impulses.
25
Q

examples of phosphates roles in biological processes.

A
  • involved in photosynthesis and respiration reactions.
  • needed for the synthesis of many biological molecules i.e. nucleotides (including ATP), phospholipids & calcium phosphate (strengthens bones).
26
Q

examples of hydroxides roles in biological processes.

A
  • affects the pH of substances (more OH- ions than H+ ons in a solution create an alkali).