Chemistry of life - Greg Hofmeyr Flashcards
Difference between organic and inorganic compounds?
Inorganic compounds do not contain the element carbon and are not produced by living organisms whereas organic compounds do contain carbon and are produced by living organisms.
True or false: Water is the most important inorganic compound?
True, water is the most important inorganic compound, without water there can be no life!
Name a function of water in living organisms?
One function of water in living organisms includes: Solvent, water is used as a natural solvent for minerals and the only way for O2 and CO2 to enter body cells is if it has been dissolved in water.
What is the difference between a macroelement and a microelement?
A macroelement is a mineral salt that is needed in large quantities and a microelement is needed in small quantities.
Name 4 inorganic elements
4 Inorganic elements are: Calcium, phosphorus, iron and Iodine.
What elements do carbohydrates consist of?
Carbohydrates are made up of carbon (C),
hydrogen (H), oxygen (O)
What are the three groups that carbohydrates are divided into?
Carbohydrates are divided into 3 groups according to the number of saccharides, which are ring chaped units, they are made up of.
Monosaccharides have 1 saccharide
Disaccharides have 2 monosaccharides
Polysacchardides have many monosaccharides
What are the different type of monosaccharides?
Glucose, fructose, galactose
What are the different type of disaccharides?
Maltose, sucrose, lactose
What are the different type of polysaccharides?
Starch, glycogen, cellulose
What is the importance of carbohydrates in plants and animals?
Carbohydrates act as a source of energy, reserve energy and act as a structural component.
– Glucose are the most important fuel molecule as
energy is released during respiration.
– Starch and glycogen are insoluble in water and are
stored in plants and animals and are converted to
glucose when energy is needed.
– Cellulose is a large part of plant cell walls and helps
to strengthen them.
