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
Sodium deficiency in humans
coma seizures nerve problems swelling decreased muscle function.
Potassium function in humans
Nerve impulse transmission water regulation
Potassium deficiency in humans
fatigue muscle weakness and cramps slow reflexes irregular heartbeat mood changes dry skin and acne increased urination
Calcium function in humans
Bone strength Muscle function
Calcium deficiency in humans
Osteoporosis irregular heartbeat muscle spasms
Phosphorus function in humans
bone strength energy production phospholipid structure in cell membranes element in DNA and RNA
Phosphorus deficiency in humans
Muscle dysfunction nerve dysfunction Osteoporosis
Iron function in humans
Produces haemoglobin Part of enzyme function Energy production
Iron deficiency in humans
Anaemia Lethargy
Iodine function in humans
Producing the hormone thyroxine Maintaining metabolism
Iodine deficiency in humans
Hypothyroidism Goitre Cretinism and mental retardation Breast and stomach cancer
Mineral elements needed by plants
Nitrogen (N) as nitrates Phosphorus (P) as phosphates Potassium (K) Calcium (Ca) Magnesium (Mg) Sulphur (S) Iron (Fe)
The seven characteristics of life
Nutrition Response to stimuli Growth Reproduction Respiration Excretion Movement
Hierarchy of organization in an organism
Cell Tissue Organ System
Polymers
A substance made up of many smaller similar sub-units Sub units called monomers
Monomer of carbohydrates
Saccharides Ring shaped units
Structure of sugars
Mono- or disaccharides
