3.1.8 - Inorganic Ions

Thursday 23rd November ‘23

• Inorganic ions are particles or molecules with an electric charge, containing no carbon.

  • Cations are positively charged ions.

  • Anions are negatively charged ions.

• Inorganic ions occur in solution in the cytoplasm and body fluids or organisms, some in high concentrations and others in very low concentrations.

Hydrogen ions

• Important role in respiration and photosynthesis reactions and influences pH of a cell by increasing acidity.

Iron ions

• Haemoglobin

Sodium ions

• Required for the generation of action potentials, muscle contraction and for maintaining blood pressure.

• Transport across membranes.

Phosphate ions

• Required for the generation of action potentials, muscle contraction, maintaining blood pressure and for activating photosynthesising enzymes in plants.

• Storing energy in ATP.