Biological Molecules - Mrs Neal

3.1 to 3.7

What is an inorganic ion?

A charged atom or group of atoms (such as a cation or anion) that does not contain carbon atoms.

What are the most abundant atoms in living organisms?

Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen and Nitrogen (also Phosphorus and Sulfur to a lesser extent).

Name 5 cations which have important roles in living organisms

Calcium ions [Ca²⁺], sodium ions [Na⁺], potassium ions [K⁺], hydrogen ions [H⁺], and ammonium ions [NH₄⁺].

What are calcium ions [Ca²⁺] necessary for?

Nerve impulse transmission and muscle contraction

What are sodium ions [Na⁺] necessary for?

Nerve impulse transmission and kidney function.

What are potassium ions [K⁺], necessary for?

Nerve impulse transmission and stomatal opening

What are hydrogen ions [H⁺] necessary for?

Catalysis of reactions and pH determination (+).

What are ammonium ions [NH₄⁺] necessary for?

Production of nitrate ions by bacteria.

Name 5 anions which have important roles in living organisms.

Nitrate ions [NO₃^-], hydrogen carbonate ions [HCO₃^-], chloride ions [Cl^-], phosphate ions [PO₄^3-], and hydroxide ions [OH^-].

What are nitrate ions [NO₃^-] necessary for?

Nitrogen supply to plants for amino acid formation and protein formation.

What are hydrogen carbonate ions [HCO₃^-] necessary for?

Maintenance of blood pH.

What are chloride ions [Cl^-] necessary for?

Balance of positive charge of sodium and potassium ions in cells.

What are phosphate ions [PO₄^3-] necessary for?

Cell membrane formation (phospholipids), nucleic acid and ATP formation and bone formation.

What are hydroxide ions [OH^-] necessary for?

Catalysis of reactions and pH determination (-)

What elements are carbohydrates made of?

Carbon, hydrogen and oxygen (usually in the formula C_x(H₂O)_x)

What elements are lipids made of?

Carbon, hydrogen and oxygen

What elements are proteins made of

Carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen (+ sulfur)

What elements are nucleic acids made of?

C, H, O, Nitrogen, Phosphorus