Inorganic ions

Question 1

Where do inorganic ions occur?

Answer 1

In the cytoplasm and body fluids of organisms, some in high concentration and some in low concentration

Question 2

What role do H+ ions have?

Answer 2

Concentration of H+ ions determines pH, and therefore enzyme function

• high concentration of H+ ions = lower pH (more acidic solution)
• low concentration of H+ ions = higher pH (more alkaline solution)

Question 3

What role do Fe2+ ions have?

Answer 3

Binds to oxygen in haemoglobin to transport oxygen around the body

Question 4

What role do Na+ ions have?

Answer 4

• Used in co-transport to carry glucose and amino acids across the cell surface membrane- sodium moved out by active transport
• needed for muscle/nerve activity
• affect osmosis/water potential

Question 5

What role do PO43- ions (phosphate) have?

Answer 5

• Used in the structure of DNA and RNA, and energy storage in ATP molecules
• phospholipids which are essential to the cell membrane (phospholipid bilayer)
• used for phosphorylation
• phosphodiester bonds join nucleotides in backbone of DNA