Cell Requirements Flashcards
What are Biomolecules?
Biomolecules are molecules required by living things to build body parts (cells, tissues, etc) and maintain the biochemical processes required for life functions.
They can be classed as either organic or inorganic compounds.
Organic compounds contain carbon and hydrogen
Inorganic compounds are all other compounds.
What are the four main organic molecules?
Carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.
What does MRS CRENG stand for?
Move
Respire
Sense and Respond
Cells/utilise cells
Reproduce
Excrete waste
Nutrient exchange
Grow
Organic compounds vs organic molecules
Organic molecules associate with living organisms/biomolecules.
Organic compounds are molecules that contain carbon atoms bound to hydrogen atoms (C-H bonds)
What are the properties and functions of carbohydrates?
Carbohydrates are the most abundant organic molecule.
Contains C, H, O (AKA “Sugars”)
Principle source of chemical energy for living organisms (eg glucose- C6H12O6)
Storage of energy reserves in plant and animal tissue
Structural components for cells (Eg glucose in the cell wall of plants)
Function as cell membrane receptors for living cell recognition and communication (eg Glycoproteins and glycolipids)
What are the properties and functions of lipids?
AKA “Fats”
Contain C, H, O
Lipids have no polymer forms (unlike the other three organic molecules)
Storage of energy for long-term use (eg Triglycerides)
Hormonal roles (eg Steriods)
Insulation (Retention of thermal energy)
Protection of internal organs
Structural components (eg Phospholipids and cholesterol)
What are the properties and functions of proteins?
Contain C, H, O, N
There are thousands of proteins in the body, each with unique functions
The monometric unit of proteins are amino acids
Structure: support for body tissue
Hormones: regulation of blood cells
Immunity: bind antigens
Transport: oxygen transport
Movement: muscle contraction
Enzymes: speeding up metabolic reactions
What are the properties and functions of nucleic acids?
Make up the genetic material in all cells
Their primary role is to assist with coding for proteins
Contain C, H, O, N, P
Nucleic acids are made up of chains of monomer units called nucleotides
There are two types of nucleic acids: DNA and RNA
What are the inorganic substances required by the cells?
Water, Minerals and Ions, Oxygen, and Carbon Dioxide
Water facts
Living organisms usually consist of approximately 70-90% water as it functions as the fluid medium that allows biochemical reactions to occur
Mineral and Ion facts
Are chemicals other than C, H, O, N
Oxygen facts
Oxygen is needed in most organisms to release ATP energy from organic molecules (via aerobic respiration)
Carbon Dioxide facts
Plants uniquely require carbon dioxide to generate organic molecules via photosynthesis
What does waste within a cell mean?
when a cell has an excessive amount of a particular substance inside of it, the substance may be reclassified as “waste” to that cell.
This means that the cell wants to get rid of it. This often happens through simple or facilitated diffusion.
Examples of waste products in a cell?
Carbon dioxide, ions, water, and oxygen. Substances such as urea, ammonia, and uric acid are always classed as waste.
