Molecules of life Flashcards
Lipids
Store energy, carry messages from the cell membranes. e.g. fats & oils
Carbohydrates
Provides & stores energy from body structures e.g. sugars & starches
Proteins
Makes up muscles, acts as a catalysts, carry messages. e.g. enymes, antibodies
Nucleic Acids
Helps make proteins, carry instructions from parent to offspring e.g. DNA & RNA
Water Properties
- solvent (transport medium)
- participates in chemical reactions
- thermal regulation
- lubrication & a physical barrier
2 uses of salts
- important role in how neurons function
2. storage of minerals e.g. calcium
Acid
donates H+ ions, produces negative charge
Base
recieves H+ ions, produces positive chrage
pH
the amount of acidity present in a compound
Buffer System
helps to regulate pH by converting strong acids or bases into weak acids or bases.
buffer system equation Equation
H+ (hydrogen ion) + HCO3- (bicarbonate) H2CO3 (carbonic acid) CO2 (carbon dioxide)+ H20 (water)
Organic Compounds:
Always contain carbon
Nearly all contain C-H bonds
Inorganic Compounds:
usually lack carbon & are simple molecules e.g. NaCl, H2O
Carbon
- on all organic compounds
- does not dissolve easily in water
- a good source of energy
Phospholipds
- important part of cell membrane
- phospholipid fatty acid chain tail, don’t have a charge, are inorganic and hydrophobic (non-polar)
- Phosphate head has a charge and in hydrophilic (polar)
