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 the haem group in haemoglobin; allows oxygen to bind for transport as oxyhaemoglobin
• Describe the role of sodium ions

  Involved in co-transport of glucose/amino acids into cells ; involved in generation of action potentials in neurons ; affects water potential of cells
• Describe the role of phosphate ions

  component of nucleotides, allowing phosphodiester bonds to form ; component of ATP, allowing energy release ; phosphorylates other compounds making them more reactive ; hydrophilic part of phospholipids allows bilayer to form