Chapter 2: The Chemistry of Life Flashcards
What is the Holistic definition of Energy?
The “stuff” that drives every event in the universe.
AKA: Oomph, Zest, Life-force, Chi, Agni, Prana
What is the Western Science definition of Energy?
The capacity of a system to do work that is measurable by instruments.
Chemistry is…
How Energy arranges itself to form matter.
Energy cannot be destroyed. It can only be ______.
Moved or changed from one form to another
Our cells are powered by _____.
Electricity of the positive and negative charged particles created through the breakdown of glucose
What is the body’s fuel of choice?
Glucose
Neutrons have a _____ charge.
Neutral
Name the 3 parts of an atom in size order from Smallest to Largest.
Electron
Neutron
Proton
What is a “Chemical Bond”?
When atoms come together and share their outermost electrons.
What does the “Zero Point Field” refer to?
When studying, Physicists slow things down by adjusting the temperature to absolute zero.
Protons have a _____ charge.
Positive
Electrons have a _____ charge.
Negative
Elements are…
The basic building blocks of all molecular compounds.
They cannot be changed - only combine with other elements to form something new.
Define Anabolism
The building up of a chemical bond - which uses free energy.
What is a molecule
The result of 2 or more atoms coming together in a chemical bond
What are the 2 opposing forces that must remain in balance to create an effective metabolism?
Anabolism (building up)
+
Catabolism (breaking down)
Define Catabolism
The breaking down of a chemical bond - which releases free energy
Define Cation
A positively charged Ion
Define Anion
A negatively charged Ion
What % of body weight is water?
60%-70%
Electrolytes are formed when …
Ionic Bonds (salts) are broken down in water.
An “ionic bond” is created when …
1 atom gives an electron to another atom creating 2 ions
What is an Ion?
An atom or molecule with a non-zero charge
What is the human body mostly made of? (List top 7)
Water Oxygen Carbon Hydrogen Nitrogen Calcium Phosphorous
What is the holistic definition of “alive”?
The living energy of everything. (Plants, animals, rocks,air, mountains, Earth, planets…)
Everything is connected and alive regardless of how the cells are split up
What is the Western Science definition of alive?
Carbon based plants and creatures that require food for energy, eliminate waste, use energy to grow, reproduce, and are sensitive to and can move within their environment.
Every organic being is made up of _____.
Carbon
Acids are _____ donors, meaning that they _____.
H+
Give off hydrogen ions.
What gives amino acids their unique properties?
R group
What type of molecule forms most of our body structure?
Proteins
What are the main chemical groups of the body?
Proteins, Fats, Carbohydrates, Vitamins, Minerals
What is the main function ofActin and Myosin?
Muscle contraction
Cell devision
Movement/transport within cells
What is Elastin?
Main protein providing elasticity properties to skin, ligaments and connective tissue.
What is Keratin?
Main protein in skin hair and nails. Provides waterproof properties.
What are the2 main functions of Plasma Proteins?
- Provide osmotic pressure to the blood
2. Create pH balance in the blood
What is the Salivary Amylase?
An enzyme in saliva of herbivorous animals (including humans) that helps to break down/digest starches
How many Amino Acids are there?
20
Normal pH fluctuates between _____and _____.
7.3 and 7.5
A neutral or base solution has a pH of _____.
7
Acidosis is _____ an refers to a pH level that is_____.
Too much acid in the body
Less than a pH of 7.3
Alkalosis is _____ an refers to a pH level that is_____.
Too much alkaline in the body
More than a pH of 7.5
What are the 2 appearance based classifications of proteins and how can you tell the difference?
Fibrous = stable, does not break down/change
Globular = unstable, breaks down and changes depending on environment (ex: temperature, pH level etc…)
What are some examples of Fibrous proteins?
Collagen Keratin Elastin Actin Myosin
What are some examples of Globular Proteins?
Protein enzymes Salivary amylase Oxidase enzymes Plasma proteins Insulin Hemoglobin Lipoproteins Growth horomones
What is Collagen?
Main protein found in all connective tissues including bones, cartilage, tendons and ligaments
Define Glycolysis
Glucose being broken down within cells
The brain can only use _____ as energy.
Glucose
What is Dehydration Synthesis?
Joining of 2 molecules by removing 1 water molecule
What is the difference between the polysaccharides Starch and Glycogen?
Starch - how plants store glucose
Glycogen - how animals store glucose (liver and muscles)
What is an “FOS”?
A “Fructooligosaccharide” - an indigestible carbohydrate or sugar that passes through out digestive system almost unchanged.
They are used by the good bacteria in the colon for growth/manipulation
What are some benefits and examples of Fructooligosaccharides?
Help absorb nutrients, detox and boost immune system.
Examples are bananas, garlic, onion and asparagus.
What is a Lipoprotein?
A solvable protein that transports fat and other lipids in the blood plasma
What is Hydrolysis?
Splitting 2 molecules by adding 1 molecule of water
Name and define the different types of Carbohydrates.
Monosaccharides - simple sugar, “building blocks” found in blood and DNA
Disaccharides - double sugar, break down to simple sugars when digested. Examples are Sucrose (cane sugar), Lactose (milk sugar)
Polysaccharides - starches, long chains of simple sugars
_____ are sugars or large starches that are easily stored and used for energy in the body.
Carbohydrates
When not needed immediately, glucose is stored as _____ and where?
Glycogen
Int he liver and muscle cells or converted to fat
DNA is …
Genetic material found in cell nucleus which directs how proteins are made
Name 4 things that Cholesterol is used to make
Vitamin D
Sex hormones
Cortisol
Bile Salts
What is the function of Myelin?
To insulate nerve fibers
Phospholipids are used to make _____.
Cell membranes
What are the 2 essential fatty acids that our body can NOT make?
Omega 3
Omega 6
What is the molecular makeup of Neutral Fat?
1 glycerol
3 long chain fatty acids
Neutral Fat is found where?
Under the skin (subcutaneous) Around organs(to insulate and protect)
Name 2 vitamins that we do NOT get through food and how they are formed.
Vitamin D - in the skin
Vitamin K - bacteria in the bowel
What is a “free radical” and how can we get rid of them.
Free radicals are by products of oxidation that cause tissue damage associated with cancer formation and aging
We can get rid of them through antioxidants
Vitamins and Minerals act as _____ to help complete certain tasks
Co-enzymes
What is RNA?
“The messenger” - copies a part of DNA to carry out protein synthisis
What are the 2 parts of the energy “storage - release” cycle when a cell oxidizes with glucose?
ATP - storage
ADP - release
Glycolysis is
The breaking down of sugar to release energy
You can tell something is an enzyme because it’s name ends in _____.
-are
What is an enzyme?
A protein catalyst that accelerates chemical reactions without being changed themselves.
100-1000 amino acids are strung together and then folded a unique way to speed up chemical reactions.
Responsible for breaking molecules apart and putting then back together.
A cell grows and reproduces through many little chemical reactions made possible by _____.
Enzymes
Metabolic rate is determined by …
The rate at which ATP is made by the cells
How does microwave pollution from wireless devices effect the molecules in our body?
Microwaves change the shape of proteins
Enzymes are proteins responsible for molecule formation
A change in shape of an enzyme can drastically alter our body function
What are some examples of Organic Solvents?
Acetone Ethanol Methanol Isopropanol Benzene
Where are Organic Solvents found in the home?
Paint thinners Degreasers Nail polish remover Adhesives Pharmaceuticals Personal care products
In order to be considered “organic”, a molecule must include _____.
Carbon
What is a Lipid?
Organic fatty acids that are not solvable in water but are solvable in organic solvents
Aka “fat”
Examples: Natural oils, waxes, steroids
What is Henoglobin?
Red protein that transports oxygen in the blood.
Carries oxygen from lungs to the bodies tissues and returns carbon dioxide to the lungs.
