Inorganic Ions

What are positive ions called?

Cations

What are negative ions called?

Anions

Where are iron ions found in haemoglobin?

Fe²⁺ ions are in the centre of the 4 polypeptide chains that make up haemoglobin

What part of haemoglobin binds to oxygen?

The Fe²⁺ ion binds to oxygen, temporarily becoming Fe³⁺ until oxygen is released

What determines pH in the body?

The concentration of H⁺ ions

How does more H⁺ ions affect pH?

More H⁺ ions = lower pH = more acidic

Why are hydrogen ions important?

pH affects enzymes and enzyme-controlled reactions

What is the role of sodium ions?

Na⁺ ions help co-transport glucose and amino acids

What happens when a phosphate ion is attached to a molecule?

It becomes a phosphate group

What is the role of phosphate groups in DNA and RNA?

They allow nucleotides to join together

What is the role of phosphate groups in ATP?

Bonds between phosphate groups store energy