Inorganic Ions

What are ions needed in large amounts called

macronutrients or main elements

what are ions needed in small amounts called

micronutrients or trace elements.

Role of chloride ions in biological organisms

• Role in the regulation of water balance, blood volume, blood pressure and blood pH. Role in the reabsorption of water in the kidneys.

• Role in the transport of carbon dioxide in plasma (chloride shift).

• Cofactor required by some enzymes e.g. amylase.

• Production of hydrochloric acid to lower pH in stomach.

• Role in the inhibitory effect of some neurotransmitters.

Role of hydroxide ions in biological organisms

• Role in the regulation of blood pH.

• Disrupts hydrogen and ionic bonds that maintain the structure of proteins.

Role of nitrate ions in biological organisms

• Role in the nitrogen cycle.

• Source of nitrogen to synthesise amino acids, proteins, nucleotides, nucleic acids, vitamins and chlorophyll.

Role of hydrogen carbonate ions in biological organisms

• Role in the regulation of blood pH.

• Role in the transport of carbon dioxide in plasma.

Role of phosphate ions in biological organisms

• Component of nucleotides in ATP, RNA and DNA.

• Needed to synthesise phospholipids for membranes.

• Needed for healthy teeth and bones.

• Role in the chemical activation of molecules and regulation of enzyme activity.

Role of calcium ions in biological organisms

• Component of insect exoskeleton, as well as bones, teeth and cartilage in mammals.

• Secondary messenger inside cell - alters enzyme activity, triggers muscle contraction, triggers release of neurotransmitter.

• Cofactor for certain enzymes e.g. blood clotting.

• Important for cell wall development and formation of middle lamella between plant cells.

Role of sodium ions in biological organisms

• Role in the transmission of nerve impulses.

• Role in the regulation of water balance, blood volume, blood pressure and blood pH.

• Role in the reabsorption of water/glucose/amino acids in the kidneys.

• Role in the turgidity of plants cells.

Role of potassium ions in biological organisms

• Role in the transmission of nerve impulses.

• Role in the regulation of water balance, blood volume, blood pressure and blood pH.

• Role in the turgidity of plant cells.

• Role in the opening of stomata in plants.

Role of hydrogen ions in biological organisms

• Proton gradients are important in ATP formation in respiration and photosynthesis.

• Role in the regulation of blood pH.

• Disrupts hydrogen and ionic bonds that maintain the structure of proteins.

• Role in the transport of carbon dioxide in the blood.

• Loading of sucrose into phloem sieve tubes.

Role of ammonium ions in biological organisms

• Role in the nitrogen cycle.

• Source of nitrogen to synthesise amino acids, proteins, nucleotides, nucleic acids, vitamins and chlorophyll.

• Involved in maintenance of pH in human body.