Ions

• What are the roles of inorganic ions in biological systems?

  • Cations and anions have specific roles
  • Essential for various cellular functions
  • Found in high or low concentrations based on need
• What is a cation?

  An ion with a positive charge
• What is an anion?

  An ion with a negative charge
• What is the role of iron ions in hemoglobin?

  They bind to oxygen in red blood cells
• How do hydrogen ions affect pH?

  More H⁺ ions lower the pH
• What is co-transport in relation to sodium ions?

  Transport of glucose alongside sodium ions
• What is the role of phosphate ions in ATP?

  They store energy in phosphate bonds
• How do phosphate groups function in DNA?

  They allow nucleotides to join up