A-level Biology OCR [New Spec] - Inorganic Ions (Part 2) | A-level Biology | OCR, AQA, Edexcel

Inorganic Ions (Part 2) in a Snap! Unlock the full A-level Biology course at http://bit.ly/2Iez7Id created by Adam Tildesley, Biology expert at SnapRevise and graduate of Cambridge University. SnapRevise is the UK’s leading A-level and GCSE revision & exam preparation resource offering comprehensive video courses created by A* Oxbridge tutors. Our courses are designed around the OCR, AQA, SNAB, Edexcel B, WJEC, CIE and IAL exam boards, concisely covering all the important concepts required by each specification. In addition to all the content videos, our courses include hundreds of exam question videos, where we show you how to tackle questions and walk you through step by step how to score full marks. Sign up today and together, let’s make A-level Biology a walk in the park! The key points covered in this video include: 1. Hydrogen Ions 2. Ammonium Ions 3. Nitrate Ions 4. Hydrogencarbonate Ions 5. Phosphate Ions Hydrogen Ions Hydrogen ions are important inorganic ions. The most important role for hydrogen ions is in photosynthesis and respiration to drive the production of ATP. Hydrogen ions also determine the pH of bodily fluids including: Blood pH which affects the function of haemoglobin, Cytoplasmic pH which affects the function of enzymes. Ammonium Ions Ammonium ions are important inorganic ions. Ammonium is a source of nitrogen which is a component of many biological molecules, such as: Amino acids, which make up proteins, Organic bases, which are components of nucleic acids like DNA and RNA, Vitamins, Chlorophyll. Ammonium ions are formed from ammonia by accepting a hydrogen ion so they help maintain pH levels. Ammonium ions are also part of the nitrogen cycle. Nitrate Ions Nitrate ions are important inorganic ions. Like ammonium, nitrate ions are used as a source of nitrogen for making: Amino acids, which make up proteins, Organic bases, which are components of nucleic acids like DNA and RNA, Vitamins, Chlorophyll. Nitrate ions are also part of the nitrogen cycle. Hydrogencarbonate Ions Hydrogencarbonate has the chemical formula: Hydrogencarbonate ions are formed when carbon dioxide dissolves in blood. Hydrogencarbonate ions are therefore important in the transport of carbon dioxide in the blood. They are also important in the regulation of blood pH. Phosphate Ions Phosphate ions have the chemical formula: Phosphate ions are an important component of many biological molecules such as: Nucleotides, which make up nucleic acids like DNA and RNA, ATP, Phospholipids. Phosphate is also important in the breakdown of glucose in respiration. Summary Inorganic ions can be cations or anions depending on whether they are positively or negatively charged Inorganic ions can also be classified as macronutrients or micronutrients depending on the quantity required by organisms Some important cations and their main roles include: Calcium ions (Ca2+) - harden bones, aids movement and regulates proteins Sodium ions (Na+) - regulates osmotic pressure and is needed for transmitting nervous impulses Potassium ions (K+) - also regulates osmotic pressure and is needed for transmitting nervous impulses Hydrogen ions (H+) - drives synthesis of ATP and determines pH Ammonium ions (NH4+) - source of nitrogen for biological molecules and buffers pH Some important anions and their main roles include: Nitrate ions (NO3-) - source of nitrogen for important biological molecules Hydrogen carbonate ions (HCO3-) - involved in transport of carbon dioxide and regulate blood pH Phosphate ions (PO43-) - component of important biological molecules and involved in respiration