water and inorganic ions

Question 1

what is water

Answer 1

an important biological molecule which makes up to 60-70% of ur body

Question 2

hydrogen bonds form between different water molecules between the oxygen and hydrogen atoms
this results in 5 key water properties what are they

Answer 2

-metabolite [ hydrolysis and condensation]
- important solvent so metabolic reactions can occur and transport of substances
- has a high specific heat capacity so buffering changes in temp
-large latent heat of vaporisation providing a colling effect with loss of water through evaporation
-strong cohesion between water molecules this supports collumn of water in the xylem and provides surface tension

Question 3

where can inorganic ions occur

Answer 3

• solution in the cytoplasm
• body fluids of organisms
• some in high or very low concentrations

Question 4

true or false water is dipolar

Answer 4

true

Question 5

each inorganic ion has a specific role depending on its properties
what are the 4 types of inorganic ions

Answer 5

hydrogen ions
phosphate ions
sodium ions
iron ions

Question 6

what is the function of hydrogen ions

Answer 6

● Maintain pH levels in the body → high concentration = acidic / low pH
● Affects enzyme rate of reaction as can cause enzymes to denature

Question 7

function of iron ions

Answer 7

● Component of haem group of haemoglobin
● Allowing oxygen to bind / associate for transport as oxyhaemoglobin

Question 8

function of sodium ions

Answer 8

1. Involved in co-transport of glucose / amino acids into cells
2. Involved in action potentials in neurons
3. Affects water potential of cells / osmosis

Question 9

function of phosphate ions

Answer 9

component of DNA RNA ATP
-joins nucleotides in phosphodiester bonds in backbone of DNA and RNA
Phosphorylates other compounds usually making them more reactive
Affects osmosis