1.8 inorganic ions ❤️

Where are inorganic ions found in the body

• in solution in cytoplasm and body fluid

• Some in high concentrations and others in very low concentrations

List 4 inorganic ions

• hydrogen ions (H+)

• Iron ions (Fe2+)

• Sodium ions (Na+)

• Phosphate ions (PO4, 3-)

What’s the role of hydrogen ions

• maintain pH levels in the body —> high concentrations = acidic/ low pH

• Affects enzyme rate of reaction as it can cause enzymes to denature

Describe the role of iron ions

• component of haem group of haemoglobin

• Allowing oxygen to bind/ associate for transport as oxyhemoglobin

Describe the role of sodium ions

• involved in co-transport of glucose/ amino acids into cells

• Involved in action potentials in neurons

• Affects water potential of cells/ osmosis

Describe the role of phosphate ions

• component of nucleotides, allowing phosphodiester bonds to form in DNA/RNA

• Component of ATP, allowing energy release

• Phosphorylates other compounds by making them more reactive

• Hydrophobic part of phospholipids, allowing a bilayer to form