Inorganic Ions

• Where are inorganic ions found in the body?

  In solution in cytoplasm and body fluid, some in high concentrations and other in very low concentrations
• Describe the role of Hydrogen ions (H+)

  • 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 (Fe2+)

  • Component of haem group of haemoglobin
  • Allowing oxygen to bind/associate for transport as oxyhaemoglobin (When O2 is bound/associated Fe2+ becomes Fe3+ until O2 unbinds/disassociates)
• Describe the role of Sodium ions (Na+)

  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 (Po4 3-)

  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 bilayer to form