1.1 Chemical Elements And Biological Compounds Flashcards
What’s the role of magnesium?
Constituent of chlorophyll so needed for photosynthesis when lacking, leaves appear yellow (chlorosis)
What’s the role of Iron?
Constituent of haemoglobin. So involved in transport of O2. A diet which is deficient in Iron can lead to Anaemia
What’s the role of calcium?
Structural component of bones and teeth (phosphate also required)
What’s the role of phosphate?
Needed for making nucleotides including ATP. A constituent part of phospholipids in cell membrane
What’s a condensation reaction?
The removal of a water molecule and the formation of a covalent bond between two biochemical groups. EG glucose+glucose=maltose+water
What is hydrolysis?
Breaking down of large molecules into smaller ones through the addition of a molecule of water EG lactose+water=glucose+galactose
What does dipolar mean?
A polar molecule with a positive and negative charge
What’s a hydrogen bond?
Weak, attractive force between a positively charged hydrogen atom and a negatively charged oxygen or nitrogen atom
What’s a carbohydrate?
Small organic molecules containing carbon, oxygen and hydrogen.
What do carbohydrates act as?
Building blocks for more complex molecules EG ribose, which forms a constituent molecule of RNA
Sources of energy EG glucose
Energy storage molecules EG glycogen and starch
Structural support EG cellulose and chitin
What is an Inorganic ion required for?
Muscle contractions and nervous coordination (also known as Electrolytes) some needed in minute amounts (micronutrients EG zinc) others in small amounts (Macronutrients)
