3.1.8 Inorganic ions

Inorganic ion?

• A charged atom or molecule

• That does not contain carbon

Where can in organic ions be found?(3)

• In solution

• In the cytoplasm of cells

• In the body fluids of organisms

4 main inorganic ions (spec)

• Iron ions

• Hydrogen ions

• Sodium ions

• Phosphate ions

Why is iron an important part of haemoglobin?

• Fe²⁺ binds to oxygen in the haemoglobin

What ion determines pH?

H⁺

How are hydrogen ions related to the pH?

More H⁺ , the lower the pH

Role of sodium ions?

Helps transports glucose and amino acids across cell surface membranes - co-transport

What are phosphate ions an essential component of?

• DNA

• ATP

Describe the role of inorganic ions in organisms (5)

• Each ion has a specific role dependent on its properties

• Iron ions are a component of haemoglobin - binds to oxygen

• Concentration of hydrogen ions determines pH

• Role of hydrogen ions in the chemiosmotic theory of ATP production in mitochondria - create a concentration gradient

• Sodium ions involved in co-transport of glucose/ amino acids from lumen of small intestine into epithelial cells

• Movement of sodium ions into axon causes action potential in neuron

• Phosphate ions component of phospholipids, ATP and DNA