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Biology

2.2 - Inorganic Ions

1
The definition of an inorganic ion
2
The role of cations in living organisms
3
The role of anions in living organisms

1 min

note 1 of 3

Key definitions

Ion - An atom with an electric charge.
Inorganic ion - An ion that does not contain carbon (with some exceptions).
Cation - An ion with a positive charge.
Anion - An ion with a negative charge.

note 2 of 3

Cations

Cations are ions with a positive charge.

You will come across these ions throughout the course, so they do not need to be memorised now.

Table showing cations, their symbols, and examples of roles in living organisms including calcium, sodium, potassium, hydrogen, ammonium, and iron.

note 3 of 3

Anions

Anions are ions with a negative charge.

Table showing examples of roles of anions in living organisms including chloride, phosphate, hydroxide, nitrate, and hydrogencarbonate.

end of notes

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2.3 - WaterNext up

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