The chemistry of life Flashcards
Atoms
Smallest units of matter
Molecules
Chemicals made up of atoms held together by bonds
Compound
Chemical substances made of two or more elements
Inorganic substances
Chemicals made by natural geophysical processes
Organic substances
Chemicals derived through chemical reactions in living organisms They are large molecules They contain carbon, hydrogen and oxygen as well as other elements
An energy source compound made by plants
starch / glucose/ carbohydrates
Example inorganic compounds made by organisms
Carbon dioxide Oxygen Water
Metabolism
The chemical processes in organisms in order to maintain life
Uses of water in organisms
Dissolve substances Transport substances A medium in which chemical reactions occur Control temperature Support and structure Reproduction
Mineral elements
Inorganic compounds Found in the environment as salts
Trace or micro mineral elements
Minerals needed in small quantities by an organism
Macro mineral elements
Minerals needed in large quantities by an organism
How animals obtain mineral elements
Food and water consumed as part of their diet (consumers)
How plants obtain mineral elements
Taken up from the soil by the roots dissolved in water
Sodium function in humans
Nerve impulse transmission water regulation