Unit 1- The Chemistry of Life And Cells Flashcards
The Chemistry of Life And Cells
inorganic compound
chemical compounds that do not contain the element carbon and are not produced by living organisms example water gases and mineral salts
organic compounds
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
give five examples of organic compounds
carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids and vitamins
what is the most important organic compound and why is it important
water is the most important organic compound for living organisms without water there can be no life
what is the most important organic compound and why is it important
water is the most important organic compound for living organisms without water there can be no life
what are the functions of water in living organisms
solvent medium in which chemical reactions occur reagent during hydrolysis transporting agent lubricant regulates body temperature give shape and rigidity
how does water act as a solvent
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.
how does water act as a medium in which chemical reactions occur
all chemical reactions in living organisms occur in water
how does water act as a reagent during hydrolysis
water breaks polymers (Makro or Giant molecules) down into their monomers (building blocks)
how does water act as a transporting agent
digested nutrients, metabolic waste products, gases ( CO2 and O2 in blood) as well as mineral salts are transported in water
how does water act as a lubricant
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.
how does water regulate body temperature
the body loses water through sweat which evaporates and cools the body
how does water give shape and rigidity
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
what are mineral salts
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
what two groups can mineral salts be divided into and what are they
macro elements- mineral salts that are needed in large quantities
micro elements- mineral salts that are needed in small quantities
name 4 macro elements
calcium
phosphorus
sodium
potassium
what is the function of calcium
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.
what is the deficiency disease of calcium
humans: rickets (children) osteomalacia and osteoporosis
plants: week root growth
what is the deficiency disease of calcium
humans: rickets (children) osteomalacia and osteoporosis
plants: week root growth
what are the functions of phosphorus
builds strong bones and teeth.
Component of ATP (energy carrier in cells.)
Component of DNA and RNA.
Part of phospholipids in cell membranes.
what are the deficiency diseases for phosphorus
humans seldom occurs.
Plants stunted plant growth
what are the functions of sodium
important for maintaining water balance in the body.
Helps with the functioning of nerves and muscle contraction.
Controls Rhythm of the heart.
deficiency disease of sodium
in humans muscle cramps
plants unknown
what is the function of potassium
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.
deficiency disease of potassium
human seldom occurs
plants yellow and brown leaf margins
name two micro elements
iron and iodine
what is the function of iron
helps to form haemoglobin that transport O2 in the blood.
helps to form chlorophyll molecules in plants.
deficiency disease of iron
give me this anaemia. Plants chlorosis (yellowing of leaves)
what is the function of iodine
component of the hormone thyroxine, which is secreted by the thyroid gland.
deficiency disease of iodine
humans: goitre ( swelling of the neck or larynx)
what are also two minerals to do with mineral salts
phosphate and nitrate
what are phosphate ions
the main source of the element phosphorus in plants. Phosphates are found in most foods and deficiency seldom occurs in humans
what are nitrate ions
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.
deficiency disease of the lack of nitrogen containing protein
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
explain the process of eutrophication
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
What are carbohydrates made up of give the elements
carbon, hydrogen and oxygen
What are carbohydrates made up of
ring-shaped units known as saccharides
what are the three groups carbohydrates are divided into
monosaccharides (1 saccharide)
disaccharides (2 monosaccharides)
polysaccharides (many monosaccharides)
which saccharides are sugars and why
monosaccharides and disaccharides are sugars because they taste sweet and are water soluble
which saccharide is not a sugar and why
polysaccharides are not sugars because they do not test suite and are insoluble in water