# Explain the importance of iron ions in red blood cells and of phosphate ions in the production of ATP.

> AQA A-Level Biology (7402) — 3.1.8 Inorganic Ions · Explain · 5 marks

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. Iron ions are a component of / found in haemoglobin
2. Iron ions allow haemoglobin to bind / carry oxygen
3. (Therefore) without iron ions oxygen cannot be transported around the body / to cells / tissues
4. Phosphate ions are used to form / are a component of ATP
5. ATP releases energy (when the phosphate bond is broken) to drive / fuel cellular processes / reactions

## Key terms

- [iron ions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/iron-ions)
- [phosphate ions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/phosphate-ions)
- [ATP](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/atp)

## Related

- [Revision notes for AQA A-Level Biology (7402)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-the-importance-of-iron-ions-3e0c14b8) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.