inorganic ions

what is an ion?

an ion is an atom that has an electric charge

what is a cation?

an ion with a positive charge

what is an anion?

an ion with a negative charge

what is an inorganic ion?

an inorganic ion is one which doesn’t contain carbon

why are inorganic ions important?

they are important in biological processes

what is the chemical symbol of calcium

what roles does calcium have in biological processes?

-involved in the transmissions of nerve impulses

-the release of insulin from the pancreas

-acts as a cofactor for many enzymes. e.g,blood clotting

-important for bone formation

what is the chemical symbol for sodium?

what are roles of sodium in biological processes?

-important for generating nerve impulses

-important for muscle contraction

-regulates fluid balance in the body

what is the chemical symbol for potassium?

what are roles of potassium in biological processes?

-important for generating nerve impulses

-important for muscle contraction

-important for regulating fluid balance in the body

-activates essential enzymes needed for photosynthesis in plant cells

what is the chemical symbol of hydrogen?

what are the roles of hydrogen in biological systems processes?

-affects the pH of substances

-important for photosynthesis reactions inside chloroplasts.

what is the chemical symbol of ammonium?

what are the roles of ammonium in biological processes?

-absorbed from the soil by plants

-important source of nitrogen

what is the chemical symbol of nitrate?

what are the roles of nitrate in biologically processes?

-absorbed from the soil by plants

-important source of nitrogen

what is the chemical symbol of hydrogen carbonate?

what is the role of hydrogen carbonate in biological processes?

-acts as a buffer which helps to maintain the pH of the blood

what is the chemical symbol of chloride?

what are the roles of chloride in biological processes?

-helps to maintain the pH of the blood during gas exchange

-acts as a cofactor for the enzyme amylase

-involved in some nerve impulses

what is the chemical symbol of phosphate?

what are the roles of phosphate in biological processes?

-involved in photosynthesis and respiration reactions

-needed for the synthesis of many biological molecules. e.g nucleotides,phospholipids and calcium phosphate

what are the chemical symbols of hydroxide?

what are the roles of hydroxide in biological processes?

-affects the pH of substances