Inorganic Ions (Part 1) | A-level Biology | OCR, AQA, Edexcel

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The key points covered in this video include:

1. Introduction to Inorganic Ions
2. Calcium Ions
3. Sodium Ions
4. Potassium Ions

Introduction to Inorganic Ions

Inorganic ions are charged atoms or molecules that fall into two categories: Cations are positively charged ions, Anions are negatively charged ions. Just like organic molecules, inorganic ions are essential for life because they are: Components of many biological molecules, Involved in key biological processes such as respiration. Inorganic ions can also be classed as macronutrients (main elements) and micronutrients (trace elements). Macronutrients are needed by organisms in larger quantities than micronutrients. If organisms do not manage to acquire enough of a particular inorganic ion, they can become deficient.

Calcium Ions

Calcium ions are important inorganic ions. Calcium helps harden body parts such as bones, teeth and exoskeletons. Calcium helps with movement of organisms by Regulating transmission of impulses from neurone to neurone, Stimulating muscle contraction. Calcium can also help regulate protein channels, which affects the permeability of cell membranes. Many enzymes are activated by calcium, making it a key regulator in many biological reactions. The presence of calcium ions is also necessary for the formation of blood clots. Finally, calcium is also important for the development of the middle lamella in between plant cell walls.

Sodium Ions

Sodium ions are important inorganic ions. Sodium ions play a key role in regulating osmotic pressure which is important in: Helping plant cells remain turgid, Regulating absorption of water in the kidney. Sodium ions are also integral for the transmission of nervous impulses. Sodium ions are also involved in the maintenance of pH. Finally, sodium ions can also aid in active transport of glucose and amino acids in the intestine.

Potassium Ions

Potassium ions are important inorganic ions. Like sodium, potassium also plays an important role in: Nervous transmission, Osmotic potential, Assisting active transport, Maintenance of pH. Potassium also is needed to help grow healthy leaves and flowers in plants. Finally, potassium plays a role in the synthesis of proteins and glycogen and the breakdown of glucose.