The Molecules Of Life Flashcards
7 characteristics of life
-Composed of cells
-Diff levels organization
-use energy
-respond to env.
-grow and develop
-reproduce
-adapt to env.
Organic vs inorganic
Carbon based molecules =organic
Non - carbon based molecules = inorganic
(Water, oxygen, ammonia, mineral salts)
Roles of water
Temp regulation
Form and support
Transport medium
Lubricating agent
Solvent
Reactant
Temp regulation
(Roles of water)
- sweat glands produce perspiration which cools down body as it evaporates
-plants cooled down by loss of water during transpiration (plant sweat)
Form and support
(Role of water)
- Hydrostatic skeleton
- plants keep shape Bc of water pressure
Transport medium
(Role of water)
- water, main constituent in blood, enables :
Blood cells
Hormones
Dissolved gases
Electrolytes
Nutrients
To be transported around body
Lubricating agent
(Role of water)
- main constituent of saliva
-helps w :
Swallowing
Chewing
-keeps eyes lubricated
Solvent
(Role of water)
-Universal solvent for biological chemicals
-medium for chemical reactions
Reactant
(Role of water)
-during hydrolysis reactions, water added to the reaction to break down large molecules
-water can be split into hydrogen & oxygen for chemical reactions such as photosynthesis
Function of nitrogen in animals and plants
Imp for :
-synthesis of protein farming
-formation of chlorophyll
-forms part of nucleotides in RNA & DNA
Deficiency diseases in plants and animals due to a lack of nitrogen
In humans/animals
-poor growth
-reduced growth in organs
In plants
-Chlorosis in older leaves
Functions of sulphur in plants and animals
In animals
-in proteins
-co-enzymes + insulin hormone
In plants
-promotes root developement
Products of a sulphur deficiency in plants max animals
Animals
-Poor growth
Plants
-Poor root development
-Young leaf chlorosis
Functions of Magnesium in plants and animals
In animals
-muscle contractions + nervous system
-activates enzymes
In plants
Essential chlorophyll component
Deficiency diseases Bc of a lack of magnesium in plants and animals
In plants
Chlorosis betw older leaf veins
In animals/humans
Poor growth
Function of phosphorus in plants and animals
-Bone and teeth formation
-Part energy carrier
-Component of RNA + DNA
-Found in phospholipids of cell memebranes
Deficiency diseases due to a lack of phosphorus in plants and animals
Humans
-malfunctioning muscles/nerves
-rickets
Plants
-poor root growth
-brown spots on leaves
Function of sodium in plants and animals
-maintains osmotic and neutral balance of body fluids
-osmoregulation in kidneys, secretion for stomach acid
-nerve and muscle function
Deficiency diseases due to a lack of sodium in humans and plants
Humans
-nausea, vomiting, lethargy, death
Plants
-Reduced growth
Function of Calcium in plants and animals
-found in middle lamella of plant (lamella = a layer cementing together the primary cell walls of two adjoining plant cells)
-bone structure
-teeth
-cell membrane permeability
-ions needed for blood clotting
Deficiency diseases due to a lack of calcium in plants and animals
Humans
-Rickets
-delayed clotting
Plants
-young Chlorosis
-poor root growth
Function of iron in plants and animals
-chlorophyll synthesis
-component of electron carriers in respiration and photosynthesis
function of iodine in plants and animals
- found in the hormone thyroxin
(thyroid gland)
deficiency diseases found caused by a lack of potassium in humans and plants
humans
-nerve and muscle malfunction
- cardiac irregularities
plants
- reduced flower and fruit
