Unit 1- The Chemistry of Life And Cells Flashcards

The Chemistry of Life And Cells

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1
Q

inorganic compound

A

chemical compounds that do not contain the element carbon and are not produced by living organisms example water gases and mineral salts

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2
Q

organic compounds

A

chemical compounds that contain the element carbon and are produced by living organisms. Organic compounds are composed of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. While some also contain other elements such as nitrogen, phosphorus and sulphur

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3
Q

give five examples of organic compounds

A

carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids and vitamins

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4
Q

what is the most important organic compound and why is it important

A

water is the most important organic compound for living organisms without water there can be no life

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5
Q

what is the most important organic compound and why is it important

A

water is the most important organic compound for living organisms without water there can be no life

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6
Q

what are the functions of water in living organisms

A
solvent
 medium in which chemical reactions occur
 reagent during hydrolysis
 transporting agent
 lubricant
 regulates body temperature
 give shape and rigidity
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7
Q

how does water act as a solvent

A

water serves as a solvent for both organic and inorganic compounds. Mineral salts in the soil dissolve in water so that the roots of the plant can absorb them. O2 and CO2 must be dissolved in water before they can enter or leave body cells. metabolic waste products example you urea so dissolve in water.

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8
Q

how does water act as a medium in which chemical reactions occur

A

all chemical reactions in living organisms occur in water

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9
Q

how does water act as a reagent during hydrolysis

A

water breaks polymers (Makro or Giant molecules) down into their monomers (building blocks)

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10
Q

how does water act as a transporting agent

A

digested nutrients, metabolic waste products, gases ( CO2 and O2 in blood) as well as mineral salts are transported in water

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11
Q

how does water act as a lubricant

A

water makes the process of chewing and swallowing is here. It also AIDS the movement of food through the rest of the alimentary canal full stop watery fluids around the eyeballs and joints to prevent friction.

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12
Q

how does water regulate body temperature

A

the body loses water through sweat which evaporates and cools the body

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13
Q

how does water give shape and rigidity

A

animals such as earthworms and jellyfish have hydrostatic skeletons (fluid-filled bodies) that give their bodies shape and rigidity. Water in the vacuoles of plant cells causes and internal pressure that pushes against the wall. This pressure is known as turgor pressure and keeps plant cells firm

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14
Q

what are mineral salts

A

mineral salts are inorganic substances or elements that are needed and absorbed by living organisms (plants animals and humans). Plant roots absorb minerals salts from The Soil, whereas humans and animals obtain them from food they eat

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15
Q

what two groups can mineral salts be divided into and what are they

A

macro elements- mineral salts that are needed in large quantities
micro elements- mineral salts that are needed in small quantities

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16
Q

name 4 macro elements

A

calcium
phosphorus
sodium
potassium

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17
Q

what is the function of calcium

A

builds strong bones and teeth.

Necessary for blood coagulation.

Plays a role in the permeability of cell membranes.

Plays a role in muscle contraction and the transmission of nerve impulses.

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18
Q

what is the deficiency disease of calcium

A

humans: rickets (children) osteomalacia and osteoporosis
plants: week root growth

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19
Q

what is the deficiency disease of calcium

A

humans: rickets (children) osteomalacia and osteoporosis
plants: week root growth

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20
Q

what are the functions of phosphorus

A

builds strong bones and teeth.

Component of ATP (energy carrier in cells.)

Component of DNA and RNA.

Part of phospholipids in cell membranes.

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21
Q

what are the deficiency diseases for phosphorus

A

humans seldom occurs.

Plants stunted plant growth

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22
Q

what are the functions of sodium

A

important for maintaining water balance in the body.

Helps with the functioning of nerves and muscle contraction.

Controls Rhythm of the heart.

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23
Q

deficiency disease of sodium

A

in humans muscle cramps

plants unknown

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24
Q

what is the function of potassium

A

important for maintaining water balance in the body

. Facilitates the functioning of muscles and nerves. Helps to regulate heart rhythm.

Necessary to activate plant enzymes.

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25
Q

deficiency disease of potassium

A

human seldom occurs

plants yellow and brown leaf margins

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26
Q

name two micro elements

A

iron and iodine

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27
Q

what is the function of iron

A

helps to form haemoglobin that transport O2 in the blood.

helps to form chlorophyll molecules in plants.

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28
Q

deficiency disease of iron

A
give me this anaemia. 
Plants chlorosis (yellowing of leaves)
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29
Q

what is the function of iodine

A

component of the hormone thyroxine, which is secreted by the thyroid gland.

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30
Q

deficiency disease of iodine

A

humans: goitre ( swelling of the neck or larynx)

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31
Q

what are also two minerals to do with mineral salts

A

phosphate and nitrate

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32
Q

what are phosphate ions

A

the main source of the element phosphorus in plants. Phosphates are found in most foods and deficiency seldom occurs in humans

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33
Q

what are nitrate ions

A

the main source of the elements nitrogen that is needed for protein synthesis. That is in forms part of the nucleotides of DNA and RNA and is also needed for the synthesis of chlorophyll in plants.

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34
Q

deficiency disease of the lack of nitrogen containing protein

A

kwashiorkor full stop this disease mainly results in Stranded growth in plants a lack of nitrate ions causes the deficiency disease chlorosis where the leaks become yellow due to a shortage of chlorophyll

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35
Q

explain the process of eutrophication

A

in over utilised soils, where crops are grown and harvested regularly, The Soil becomes depleted of mineral salts. Photo sizes are continuously worked into the soil to counteract this mineral deficiency. Personalized containing mostly nitrogen, potassium and phosphates are added to the soil in large quantities. Meaning of these minerals are leached washed away during heavy rains, ending up in rivers and dams. The phosphates cause it drastically increased in the growth of freshwater Isle game known as algal Bloom. This drastic increase in Algoa blocks the sunlight from other photosynthesizing organisms, which result in the death of many water plants. The dead organic material has to be decomposed, which leads to a large increase in bacteria. Decomposition requires oxygen and this large-scale decomposition process will deplete the oxygen supply in the water. Large numbers of fish and other water organisms die as a result of an oxygen shortage. This phenomenon is known as eutrophication

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36
Q

What are carbohydrates made up of give the elements

A

carbon, hydrogen and oxygen

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37
Q

What are carbohydrates made up of

A

ring-shaped units known as saccharides

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38
Q

what are the three groups carbohydrates are divided into

A

monosaccharides (1 saccharide)
disaccharides (2 monosaccharides)
polysaccharides (many monosaccharides)

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39
Q

which saccharides are sugars and why

A

monosaccharides and disaccharides are sugars because they taste sweet and are water soluble

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40
Q

which saccharide is not a sugar and why

A

polysaccharides are not sugars because they do not test suite and are insoluble in water

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41
Q

what are monosaccharides and what are the types of monosaccharides

A

motorcycles are single ring structures. There are 3 monosaccharides
glucose
fructose
galactose

42
Q

what are disaccharides and name the three types

A

a disaccharide is formed when two monosaccharides are joined. One water molecule is removed to form a disaccharide. This reaction is known as a condensation reaction.

The three types of disaccharides are
maltose
sucrose and
lactose

43
Q

glucose + glucose

A

maltose + H2O

44
Q

glucose + fructose

A

sucrose + H2O

45
Q

glucose + galactose

A

lactose + H2O

46
Q

what are polysaccharides and name the types

A

polysaccharides are long chains of monosaccharides that bind to one another by a condensation reaction the three types of polysaccharides
starch
glycogen
cellulose

47
Q

what is a condensation reaction

A

an H2O molecule is removed every time to monosaccharides bind

48
Q

polymers

A

large molecules that are made up of long chains of single units

49
Q

glucose is the building block for which types of saccharides

A

start, glycogen and cellulose

50
Q

describe the relationship between glucose and plants and starch

A

start is the form in which glucose is stored in the plant. When the plants needs energy, the starch is broken down into glucose is released

51
Q

what happens during respiration

A

glucose is broken down and energy is released

52
Q

glycogen

A

the form in which excess glucose is stored in the liver and skeletal muscles of humans and animals. When energy is needed, glycogen is converted back to glucose.

53
Q

cellulose

A

forms the structural component of plant cell walls

54
Q

what is the importance of carbohydrates in animals and plants

A

source of energy
source of Reserve energy
structural component

55
Q

how is carbohydrates a source of energy

A

glucose is the most important fuel molecule. During respiration, energy is released from glucose well CO2 and H2O are

56
Q

how is carbohydrates as source of Reserve energy

A

starch and glycogen are stored in plants and animals respectively, and are insoluble in water. Therefore they do not influence the water potential of the cells. When energy is released, these polysaccharides can be converted easily into glucose

57
Q

how is carbohydrates a structural component

A

plant cell walls consists primarily of cellulase which strengthens the cell wall

58
Q

test for carbohydrates

A

use Benedict’s solution this is a deep blue liquid that indicates the presence of monosaccharides as well as certain does a great example lactose and maltose

59
Q

what is the glucose test method

A

TP a water bath. Take a heat resistant Beaker, fill it with water and heat it over a Bunsen burner. 4 + -5 centimetres 3 of Benedict’s solution into a test tubes. Had about 10 Drops of the test solution Energade a rose or fruit juice to the Benedict’s solution. Place the test tube into the water bath and examine the solution of the 4 minutes the results can be interpreted as follows blue green yellow orange blue no glucose present orange dead high concentration of glucose

60
Q

what is the test for starch method

A

take a piece of test material bread or potato and place it in a saucer.

Drop 2 to 3 Drops of yellow brown iodine solution into it.

If the test material turns a blue black colour start is present.

61
Q

which elements are lipids made out of

A

oxygen hydrogen and carbon

62
Q

what are the lipid molecules two types of building blocks

A

glyceryl and fatty acids

63
Q

what does one lipid molecule consists of

A

1 + roll molecule and three fatty acid molecules

64
Q

name three characteristics of lipids

A

insoluble in water
soluble in ether and alcohol
hydrophobic water repellent

65
Q

saturated fats

A

saturated fats are mainly derived from animals example butter and Lord. These fats are solid at room temperature

66
Q

unsaturated fats

A

unsaturated fats are mainly derived from plants example olive oil, canola oil, and sunflower oil these fats are liquid at room temperature and are known as oils.

67
Q

what are saturated fats used for

A

they are used by the body to synthesized cholesterol. Cholesterol is a white, wax like substance that forms part of a cell membranes and hormones. Excessive intake of saturated fats leads to a high cholesterol levels in the blood

68
Q

what does high cholesterol levels in the blood cause

A

fatty deposits a k a plaque in arteries, there by narrowing them. This is known as atherosclerosis full stop blood platelets aggregate a k a clumped together at these narrowed areas and form a blood clot

69
Q

How do blood clots lead to heart attacks

A

cardiac muscle tissue receives oxygen rich blood from the coronary artery. If the coronary artery is blocked by a blood clot, the cardiac muscle does not receive oxygen and cannot function. This needs to a heart attack

70
Q

what causes angina

A

if the coronary artery is only partially blocked, the cardiac muscle tissue receives a limited supply of oxygen. This can cause a person to feel tired for more quickly and should you feel pain in the chest during strenuous exercise or stressful circumstances. This pain in the chest is known as and

71
Q

What are the importance of lipids

A

source of Reserve energy

shock absorption

structural component of cell membranes

waterproofing

absorption of vitamins

source of water

72
Q

how are lipids a source of reserve energy

A

A large amount of energy is released when fat molecules are broken down

73
Q

how are lipids an insulating material

A

fat is a poor conductor of heat. Marine mammals such as whales, dolphins and seals all have a layer of blubber (fat) under their skin that insulates their body heat from the cold seawater. This layer of blubber also assists in buoyancy (helps them float)

74
Q

how are lipids shock absorbers

A

the kidneys and eyes are surrounded by a layer of fat to protect them from mechanical injury

75
Q

how are lipids a structural component of cell membranes

A

cell membranes consist of a double layer of phospholipid molecules with a protein layer on either side

76
Q

how are lipids waterproof

A

a fatty substance cutin forms the cuticle that covers the epidermal cells of plants. The cuticle prevents excessive water loss. The birds have oil glands that secrete oil to make their feathers waterproof.

77
Q

how do lipids absorb vitamins

A

fat soluble vitamins a, d, e and K can only be absorbed when dissolved in fat

78
Q

how are lipids a source of water

A

animals that hibernate in cold weather, or others that survive hot, dry conditions, still fat that is broken down to CO2 and H2O during respiration. The Camel, which drivers in desert areas, is an example of an animal that survives using metabolic water.

79
Q

what is a protein

A

a very large molecule a k a polymer with amino acids as monomers

80
Q

what are amino acids

A

amino acids are made up of the elements carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen. In some amino acids, phosphorus, sulphur and iron are also present

81
Q

how many types of amino acids are there

A

20

82
Q

what factors determine the type of protein

A

the sequence and type of amino acids

83
Q

what is a peptide Bond

A

the bond or link formed between two amino acids

84
Q

polypeptide
dipeptide
tripeptide
protein

A

polypeptide: a long chain of amino acids linked by peptide bonds

Tri peptide: 3 amino acids linked by peptide bonds

dipeptide: two amino acids linked by a peptide bond
protein: 51 + amino acids linked by peptide bonds

85
Q

what determines the function that a protein must perform

A

the shape

86
Q

what gives the proteins its own particular shape

A

when the long chains of amino acids for colds and Loops that can fold back onto them selves

87
Q

what are proteins sensitive to and what will happen to them if exposed to these factors

A

temperature and pH and will denature at high temperatures as well as extreme pH levels

88
Q

denature

A

protein loses it’s shape and can no longer perform its function

89
Q

what is the importance of proteins in plants and animals

A

structural component of protoplasm.

building materials.

Structural component of cell membranes.

Play a role in the permeability of cell membranes.

Source of Reserve energy. Hormones regulate processes in the body.

Hemoglobin transports O2 and CO2 in the blood.

Protects the body against disease.

Chromosomes carry hereditary material.

Act as buffers.

Enzymes control metabolic processes in the body.

90
Q

what are enzymes and why are they important

A

enzymes are proteins that accelerate chemical reactions inside living cells. Without them, Vital reactions essential to life would take place too slowly to sustain life

91
Q

catalysts

A

substances that accelerate chemical

92
Q

biological catalysts

A

enzyme

93
Q

biological catalysts

A

enzyme

94
Q

how do enzymes accelerate reactions

A

in order for a chemical reaction to occur the reaction needs activation energy to initiator reaction. Enzymes lower the activation energy of the reaction there by accelerating the reaction

95
Q

metabolic reactions

A

chemical reactions that take place in living cells

96
Q

what are the two types of metabolic reactions

A

anabolic and catabolic

97
Q

anabolic reaction

A

during this type of reaction a complex molecule is built-up from simple molecules energy is usually required

98
Q

catabolic reaction

A

a complex molecule is broken down into simple molecules. Energy is usually released

99
Q

hydrolysis

A

during the digestion of food, complex molecules macromolecules are broken down into simple molecules smaller, soluble molecules by adding H2O

100
Q

substrate

A

the substance on which the enzyme acts on

101
Q

product

A

the substance formed during the reaction

102
Q

substrate specific

A

a specific enzyme can only act on a specific substrate