Chapter 6, Problem 81A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

To determine the effect of ${\text{Hg}}^{2+}$ in place of ${\text{Zn}}^{2+}$ on the biological activity of red blood cells.

Concept Introduction :

An ion is formed by gaining or losing electrons by an atom. The number of electrons lost or gained by an atom becomes its charge. If an element loses electrons, it has a positive charge. In the symbol for an ion, the charge is represented as a superscript of the symbol of the atom for that element.

Answer to Problem 81A

Replacing ${\text{Zn}}^{2+}$ with ${\text{Hg}}^{2+}$ will adversely affect the process.

Explanation of Solution

The size and charge of the ions always play role in the biological activity of several complexes. One such process is the temporary binding of ${\text{Zn}}^{2+}$ to a molecule in red blood cells. Replacing ${\text{Zn}}^{2+}$ with ${\text{Hg}}^{2+}$ will severely its activity. This is because ${\text{Hg}}^{2+}$ is much larger. Mercury is present below the zinc and thus, atomic, and ionic size increase down the group.

Thus, ${\text{Hg}}^{2+}$ adversely affects the process.