inorganic ions

• Inorganic ions can be positive (cations) or negative (anions)
• Cation


  Positively charged ion formed due to electron loss
• Anion


  Negatively charged ion formed when an atom gains electrons
• Ions are formed when an atom transfers its electrons to another atom
• Organic ions contain carbon, inorganic ions do not contain carbon
• Key inorganic ions in the body

  • Iron
  • Hydrogen
  • Sodium
  • Phosphate
• Iron ions


  • Found in red blood cells in the protein hemoglobin
  • Iron ions (Fe2+) bind to oxygen atoms
• Hydrogen ions (H+)


  • Maintain pH
  • Help with aerobic respiration
  • Involved in enzyme-controlled metabolic reactions
• Sodium ions


  • Responsible for co-transport
  • Important in the nervous system
• Phosphate ions


  • Found in cell membranes, DNA, RNA, and ATP
  • Phosphate groups can be added to molecules to make them more reactive through phosphorylation
• The body carefully regulates ion levels through organs such as the kidney