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HKDSE Biology - Inorganic ions

Compulsory Part I Cells and Molecules of Life

April 20, 2020

Relate the significance of inorganic ions (nitrogen, magnesium, calcium and iron) to life.

Inorganic ions (nitrogen, magnesium, calcium and iron) are essential for important cellular activity in organism.

Significance of inorganic ions to life 👇🏻

Nitrogen ions 🌴

  • Nitrate are needed for the formation of protein in plant. 
  • Protein is important for plant functioning like photosynthesis.

Magnesium ions 🌿

  • Magnesium ions are needed for the formation of chlorophyll
  • Chlorophyll absorb light for photosynthesis to take place in plant.

Calcium ions 🦷

  • Calcium ions are needed in bones and teeth formation. Sufficient calcium ions have to be consumed during infancy, childhood as well as pregnancy.
  • Calcium ions play an important role in intracellular signalling. Intracellular signalling is required during contraction of muscle as well as clotting of blood.

Iron ions 💉

  • Iron ions are needed for the formation of haemoglobin. Haemoglobin with the function of transporting oxygen throughout the body.

In HKDSE Biology examination, questions about the significance of inorganic ions to life are commonly being asked ❗️ ❕

That's the end of this topic 👏🏻

References 

  1. Thomas, B. & Chris, H. (2013) Hong Kong DSE Biology Critical Guide. Yellowreef Limited.