Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM


Top Flashcards (Certified)
All Flashcards

Biology > Unit 1- The Chemistry of Life And Cells > Flashcards

Unit 1- The Chemistry of Life And Cells Flashcards

The Chemistry of Life And Cells

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

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
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

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

give five examples of organic compounds

A

carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids and vitamins

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
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

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
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

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
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
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
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.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

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

A

all chemical reactions in living organisms occur in water

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
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)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
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

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
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.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

how does water regulate body temperature

A

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

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
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

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
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

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
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

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

name 4 macro elements

A

calcium
phosphorus
sodium
potassium

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
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.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

what is the deficiency disease of calcium

A

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

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

what is the deficiency disease of calcium

A

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

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
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.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

what are the deficiency diseases for phosphorus

A

humans seldom occurs.

Plants stunted plant growth

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
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.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

deficiency disease of sodium

A

in humans muscle cramps

plants unknown

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
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.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
deficiency disease of potassium
human seldom occurs | plants yellow and brown leaf margins
26
name two micro elements
iron and iodine
27
what is the function of iron
helps to form haemoglobin that transport O2 in the blood. helps to form chlorophyll molecules in plants.
28
deficiency disease of iron
``` give me this anaemia. Plants chlorosis (yellowing of leaves) ```
29
what is the function of iodine
component of the hormone thyroxine, which is secreted by the thyroid gland.
30
deficiency disease of iodine
humans: goitre ( swelling of the neck or larynx)
31
what are also two minerals to do with mineral salts
phosphate and nitrate
32
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
33
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.
34
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
35
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
36
What are carbohydrates made up of give the elements
carbon, hydrogen and oxygen
37
What are carbohydrates made up of
ring-shaped units known as saccharides
38
what are the three groups carbohydrates are divided into
monosaccharides (1 saccharide) disaccharides (2 monosaccharides) polysaccharides (many monosaccharides)
39
which saccharides are sugars and why
monosaccharides and disaccharides are sugars because they taste sweet and are water soluble
40
which saccharide is not a sugar and why
polysaccharides are not sugars because they do not test suite and are insoluble in water
41
what are monosaccharides and what are the types of monosaccharides
motorcycles are single ring structures. There are 3 monosaccharides glucose fructose galactose
42
what are disaccharides and name the three types
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
glucose + glucose
maltose + H2O
44
glucose + fructose
sucrose + H2O
45
glucose + galactose
lactose + H2O
46
what are polysaccharides and name the types
polysaccharides are long chains of monosaccharides that bind to one another by a condensation reaction the three types of polysaccharides starch glycogen cellulose
47
what is a condensation reaction
an H2O molecule is removed every time to monosaccharides bind
48
polymers
large molecules that are made up of long chains of single units
49
glucose is the building block for which types of saccharides
start, glycogen and cellulose
50
describe the relationship between glucose and plants and starch
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
what happens during respiration
glucose is broken down and energy is released
52
glycogen
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
cellulose
forms the structural component of plant cell walls
54
what is the importance of carbohydrates in animals and plants
source of energy source of Reserve energy structural component
55
how is carbohydrates a source of energy
glucose is the most important fuel molecule. During respiration, energy is released from glucose well CO2 and H2O are
56
how is carbohydrates as source of Reserve energy
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
how is carbohydrates a structural component
plant cell walls consists primarily of cellulase which strengthens the cell wall
58
test for carbohydrates
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
what is the glucose test method
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
what is the test for starch method
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
which elements are lipids made out of
oxygen hydrogen and carbon
62
what are the lipid molecules two types of building blocks
glyceryl and fatty acids
63
what does one lipid molecule consists of
1 + roll molecule and three fatty acid molecules
64
name three characteristics of lipids
insoluble in water soluble in ether and alcohol hydrophobic water repellent
65
saturated fats
saturated fats are mainly derived from animals example butter and Lord. These fats are solid at room temperature
66
unsaturated fats
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
what are saturated fats used for
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
what does high cholesterol levels in the blood cause
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
How do blood clots lead to heart attacks
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
what causes angina
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
What are the importance of lipids
source of Reserve energy shock absorption structural component of cell membranes waterproofing absorption of vitamins source of water
72
how are lipids a source of reserve energy
A large amount of energy is released when fat molecules are broken down
73
how are lipids an insulating material
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
how are lipids shock absorbers
the kidneys and eyes are surrounded by a layer of fat to protect them from mechanical injury
75
how are lipids a structural component of cell membranes
cell membranes consist of a double layer of phospholipid molecules with a protein layer on either side
76
how are lipids waterproof
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
how do lipids absorb vitamins
fat soluble vitamins a, d, e and K can only be absorbed when dissolved in fat
78
how are lipids a source of water
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
what is a protein
a very large molecule a k a polymer with amino acids as monomers
80
what are amino acids
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
how many types of amino acids are there
20
82
what factors determine the type of protein
the sequence and type of amino acids
83
what is a peptide Bond
the bond or link formed between two amino acids
84
polypeptide dipeptide tripeptide protein
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
what determines the function that a protein must perform
the shape
86
what gives the proteins its own particular shape
when the long chains of amino acids for colds and Loops that can fold back onto them selves
87
what are proteins sensitive to and what will happen to them if exposed to these factors
temperature and pH and will denature at high temperatures as well as extreme pH levels
88
denature
protein loses it's shape and can no longer perform its function
89
what is the importance of proteins in plants and animals
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
what are enzymes and why are they important
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
catalysts
substances that accelerate chemical
92
biological catalysts
enzyme
93
biological catalysts
enzyme
94
how do enzymes accelerate reactions
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
metabolic reactions
chemical reactions that take place in living cells
96
what are the two types of metabolic reactions
anabolic and catabolic
97
anabolic reaction
during this type of reaction a complex molecule is built-up from simple molecules energy is usually required
98
catabolic reaction
a complex molecule is broken down into simple molecules. Energy is usually released
99
hydrolysis
during the digestion of food, complex molecules macromolecules are broken down into simple molecules smaller, soluble molecules by adding H2O
100
substrate
the substance on which the enzyme acts on
101
product
the substance formed during the reaction
102
substrate specific
a specific enzyme can only act on a specific substrate

Biology (1 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2025 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions