# Explain why inorganic ions are important for the production of haemoglobin and for the synthesis of DNA in a human body cell.

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

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. Iron ions are needed / used to make haemoglobin
2. Iron ions allow haemoglobin to carry / bind oxygen
3. Phosphate ions are needed for the synthesis / formation of DNA
4. Phosphate ions form / are part of the sugar-phosphate backbone of DNA
5. Without the correct inorganic ions the molecules cannot be made / function correctly, leading to health problems

## Key terms

- [inorganic ions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/inorganic-ions)
- [haemoglobin](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/haemoglobin)
- [DNA](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/dna)

## 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-why-inorganic-ions-are-important-3d5a5b19) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.