Inorganic ions

Nitrate (NO3)-

• plants use nitrate to build up amino acids and hence proteins -

Phosphate (PO4)^3-

• in all nucleotides

• in ATP (Adenosine TriPhosphate - the energy currency of the cell)

• with Calcium it forms CALCIUM PHOSPHATE - the main mineral in bone

Potassium K+

• used to control the osmotic balance with the cell and organism

• opening and closing of leaf guard cells

• creates an electrochemical potential across cell membranes enablng transmission of action potentials along nerve cells

Calcium Ca²⁺

• Calcium Phosphate is an important mineral in bones and teeth

• involved in muscular contraction

• necessary for the transmisson of nerve impulses across a synapse

Sodium Na+

• used to control the osmotic balance with the cell and organism

• help to concentrate urine in the kidney, conserving water

• creates an electrochemical potential across cell membranes enablng transmission of action potentials along nerve cells

Chloride Cl-

• used to control the osmotic balance with the cell and organism

• balances movement of sodium and potassium ions

Magnesium Mg²⁺

• Essential component of chlorophyll molecules and hence vital for photosynthesis

• component of ATPase - enzymes that catalyse the build up and breakdown of of ATP

Iron Fe²⁺

• Essential component of Haemoglobin molecules and vital for transport of oxygen