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.
• Describe the role of hydrogen Ions

  ● Maintain pH levels in the body → high conc. = acidic / low pH

  ● Affects enzyme rate of reaction as 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 oxyhaemoglobin
• Describe the role of sodium Ions

  1.Involved in co-transport of glucose / amino acids into cells

  2. Involved in action potentials in neurons

  3. Affects water potential of cells / osmosis
• Describe the role of phosphate ions

  1.Component of nucleotides, allowing phosphodiester bonds to form in DNA / RNA

  2. Component of ATP, allowing energy release

  3. Phosphorylates other compounds making them more reactive

  4. Hydrophilic part of phospholipids, allowing a bilayer to form