section 2: biological molecules - topic 6: inorganic ions Flashcards
what is an ion?
an atom (or group of atoms) that has an electrical charge.
what is an inorganic ion?
an ion that doesn’t contain carbon.
(though there are a few exceptions)
what is an ion with a positive charge called?
a cation.
what is an ion with a negative charge called?
an anion.
what are the 5 cations we need to know?
calcium.
sodium.
potassium.
hydrogen.
ammonium.
what is the chemical symbol of calcium?
Ca^2+
what is the chemical symbol of sodium?
Na+
what is the chemical symbol of potassium?
K+
what is the chemical symbol of hydrogen?
H+
what is the chemical symbol of ammonium?
NH4+
examples of calciums roles in biological processes.
- 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.
examples of sodiums roles in biological processes.
- important for generating nerve impulses, for muscle contraction, and for regulating fluid balance in the body.
examples of potassiums roles in biological processes.
- 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.
examples of hydrogens roles in biological processes.
- 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.
examples of ammoniums roles in biological processes.
- absorbed from the soil by plants and is an important source of nitrogen (which is then used to make amino acids, nucleic acids etc).