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2 Chemical Basis of Life
2 Chemical Basis of Life
2 Chemical Basis of Life
OF LIFE Dissociation
Basic Chemistry § Separation of ions in an ionic compound by
Chemistry – concerned with atomic composition and polar water molecules
structure of substances and the reactions they undergo
Electrolytes – dissociated ions
Matter, Mass, and Weight
Matter – anything that occupies space and has mass Chemical Rxns
§ Substances interact either to form or to break
Mass – amount of matter in an object; kilogram chemical bonds
Weight – gravitational force acting on an object Reactants – substances that enter into a chemical
reaction
Elements and Atoms
Element – simplest type of matter having unique Products – substances that result from the chemical rxn
properties
Classification of Chemical Rxns
Atom – smallest particle of an element 1. Synthesis – combination of reactants
2. Decomposition – breakdown of larger reactants
Atomic Structure 3. Exchange – decomposition + synthesis
Neutrons – no electrical charge
Anabolism – synthesis rxns that occur in the body
Protons – positive charges
Catabolism – decomposition rxns that occur in the body
Electrons – negative charges
Metabolism – anabolic + catabolic rxns in the body
Nucleus – formed by protons and neutrons
Reversible Rxns
Electron cloud – where electrons are most likely to be § Reactants can form products, products can form
found reactants
M o r a n o , M . A .
Alkalosis – blood pH rises above 7.45 Polyunsaturated fats – two or more double covalent
bonds; safflower, sunflower, corn, fish oils
Salts
§ Forms when an acid reacts with a base Trans fats – unsaturated fats tha have been altered by
addition of H atoms
Buffer
§ Chemicals that resist changes in pH Phospholipids – phosphorus containing molecues
Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide Hydrophobic – water fearing; non polar end is repelled
Oxygen – involved with the extraction of energy from by water
food molecules
Eicosanoids – important chemicals derived form fatty
Carbon Dioxide – by-product of the breakdown of food acids; important regulatory molecules
molecules
Prostaglandins – regulates secretion of hormones, blood
Water clotting, and some reproductive functions
1. Stabilizing body temperature.
2. Protection; lubricant/cushion. Steroids – carbon atoms in four ring-like structures
3. Facilitating chemical reactions.
4. Transporting substances Cholesterol – important steroid bcos steroid molecules
are synthesized from it; important component of cell
Organic Molecules membranes
§ Carbon containing
Proteins
Carbohydrates § CHON + S
§ CHO § Regulate chemical reactions
§ Serve as structural components
Monosaccharides – smallest carbohydrates; simple § Cause muscle contraction
sugars
Ø Glucose – blood sugar Amino acids – building blocks of proteins; amine group
Ø Fructose – fruit sugar + carboxyl group; 20 basic types: 12 simple org.
molecules + 8 obtained in diet
Disaccharides – 2 monosaccharides
Ø Sucrose – table sugar Denaturation – change in shape caused by abnormally
high temp. or change in pH
Polysaccharides – many monosaccharides
Ø Glycogen – animal starch Enzymes – protein catalysts; lower the activation energy
v Plant starch
Activation energy – energy needed to start a chem rxn
v Cellulose
Lock-and-key model – the shapes of an enzyme and
Lipids
those of the reactant allow the enzymes to bind easily to
§ Substances that dissolve in non polar solvents the reactants
§ CHO + P + N
Nucleic Acids: DNA + RNA
Fats – important energy-storage molecules; pad and Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) – genetic material of cells
insulate the body
Ribonucleic acid (RNA) – important role in gene
Glycerol & Fatty Acids – building blocks of fats expression/protein synthesis
Triglycerides – most common type of fat molecules Nucleic acid – large molecules composed of CHONP
Saturated Fatty Acid – single covalent bond; beef, pork, Nucleotides – basic building clocks of DNA + RNA
whole milk, cheese, butter, eggs, coconut oil, palm oil
Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP)
Unsaturated Fatty Acid – one of more double covalent
§ Important organic molecule
bonds
§ Energy currency of cells
Mono-unsaturated fats – double covalent bonds bet. § Stores and provides energy
carbon; olive and peanut oil
M o r a n o , M . A .