Cell Requirements Flashcards
What are the main ways required substances are used by cells?
Essential building blocks from which cells and tissues are made, source of stored energy.
Identify the main inorganic nutrients required by the cell.
Water
Minerals (chlorides, phosphates, nitrates, carbonates)
Gases (O2 and CO2)
Where is water used in the cell?
Transport medium, solvent for molecules, medium for chemical reactions, used in photosynthesis
Where are mineral salts used in cells?
Assist chemical reactions, used in synthesis of molecules, cell membrane and nerve cell functioning
Where are O2 and CO2 used in the cell?
Used in photosynthesis and cellular respiration
What are the four main types of biomacromolecules that cells need?
Carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids
What elements are carbohydrates made of? What is their abundance?
Carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, ratio of 1:2:1
What are the three types of carbohydrates?
mono/di/poly saccharides
What are monosaccharides used for in cell?
Quick energy
What are polysaccharides used for in cells?
Storing energy in starch, cellulose for strengthening cell walls
What elements are lipids made of? What is their abundance?
Lots of carbon and hydrogen, some oxygen
What are the main functions of lipids in cells?
Energy storage, structure for membranes, structure of hormones
What elements make up proteins?
carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur
What are amino acids?
The building blocks of proteins. These amino acids form polypeptide chains to form proteins.
What are the main roles of proteins in cells?
Structure of cell membrane and internal membranes, enzymes, hormones
What are nucleic acids, and what are they made of?
The building blocks of DNA, containing genetic information. Made of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen and phosphorus. Made of chains of nuceotides
What is DNA?
Deoxyribonucleic acid - double stranded molecule that stores genetic information that controls the cell.
What is a nucleotide and what is it made of?
They are the building blocks of DNA and RNA and are made of sugar, a base, and a phosphate.
