Inorganic Ions
- Inorganic ions are atoms or molecules with an electric charge, containing no carbon.
- Cations are positively charged ions
- Anions are negatively charged ions
- Inorganic ions occur in solution in the cytoplasm and body fluids of organisms, some in high concentrations and others in very low concentrations
- Each type of ion has a specific role, depending on its properties
- Hydrogen ions determine the pH of bodily fluids. The higher the concentration, the lower the pH
- Iron ions are essential components of the prosthetic group in haemoglobin and bind to oxygen
- Sodium ions are used in the co-transport of glucose and amino acids across cell membranes
- Phosphate ions are essential components of DNA, RNA & ATP