Elemental Composition Of Cells Flashcards
What is the simplest structure of life?
The cell
The cell is considered the basic unit of life.
How were elements formed according to the big bang theory?
All elements apart from hydrogen and helium were formed from/in the core of stars.
What are the two elements believed to have formed immediately after the Big Bang?
Hydrogen and helium
Which theory explains the origin of the universe?
Big Bang Theory
What does the stellar hypothesis propose?
Elements beyond hydrogen and helium are formed in the cores of stars.
What is the largest atom that can form from nuclear fusion reactions in stars?
Iron
What are the six major or bulk elements that make up most cells?
Carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus, sulfur (CHONPS)
What percentage of atoms in the earth is made up of oxygen?
48.86%
Why is carbon unique in its ability to form many compounds?
Due to its ideal size, tetravalency, power of catenation, and ability to form multiple bonds.
What is the significance of tetravalency in carbon?
Carbon can form four covalent bonds.
What are the key features of the major elements utilized in cells?
Majority are p-block elements, able to form covalent bonds, non-metals, smaller atomic sizes/numbers, neither too reactive nor inert.
What is the role of the atmosphere in the selection of elements for cells?
The composition of the atmosphere affects which elements are incorporated into cells.
Fill in the blank: The elements found in living cells are primarily derived from the _______.
Earth’s crust
True or False: All groups on the periodic table have representatives in living cells.
True
What is the primary reason some elements are not incorporated into cells?
Their artificial nature, inertness, or toxicity.
What type of bond is primarily formed in organic compounds?
Covalent bonds
What is the difference between major elements and trace elements in biological systems?
Major elements are essential for organic compounds; trace elements are found primarily in inorganic fluids.
What are the trace or minor elements mentioned?
Fluorine (F) and Iodine (I)
What is the significance of the relative abundance of elements in cells?
It is dependent on the mechanism of formation and stability of the nuclei formed.
What role do high-energy particles play in the laboratory synthesis of elements?
They are required to fuse with target nuclei to synthesize new elements.
Why is silicon less incorporated in living cells compared to carbon?
Silicon-silicon bonds are weak, while carbon forms strong covalent bonds.
What is the bond energy of nitrogen relative to carbon?
Lower bond energy due to the presence of lone pairs.
What type of compounds does boron tend to form?
Electron deficient compounds
What are the two types of chemical bonding?
Ionic and covalent bonding
