Chemistry of Living Things Chapter 2 Chemistry of Living Things

Objectives Relate the importance of chemistry and biochemistry to health care Define matter and energy Explain the structure of an atom, an element and a compound Explain the importance of water to our body Describe the four main groups of organic compounds: carbohydrates, fats, proteins and nucleic acids Explain the difference between the DNA molecule and the RNA molecule Explain the difference between an acid, base and salt Describe why homeostasis is necessary for good health Define the key words that relate to this chapter

Terms Chemistry Matter Energy

Atoms Atom Subatomic particles Smallest piece of an element Proton Neutron Electron

Terms Elements Compounds Molecules

been man-made by scientists. Elements There are 92 elements found naturally in our world; additional elements have been man-made by scientists.

Ions and Electrolytes Ion - Positive and negative charges Electrolytes - electrically charged particles that help determine fluid and acid-base balance

Types of Compounds Inorganic compounds Organic compounds Normally do not contain carbon Water is 55-65% of the body weight Organic compounds Found in living things Always have carbon

Organic Compounds Four Main Groups Carbohydrates Lipids Proteins Nucleic acids

Carbohydrates Elements Three Groups Carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen Monosaccharides Disaccharides Polysaccharides

Lipids Elements Characteristics Types Carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen Lipids are an important source of stored energy Lipids make up essential steroid hormones Lipids help to insulate the body Types Fats Phospholipids Steroids - contains cholesterol Liver can manufacture cholesterol without a food source

Proteins Elements Most diverse and essential organic compound Carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen and often, phosphorus and sulfur Most diverse and essential organic compound Found in every living part of a living cell Amino acids

Enzymes Specialized protein molecule found in all living cells Help control chemical reactions Organic catalysts Highly specific in its action

Nucleic Acids Organic compound containing carbon, oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen, and phosphorus Structure of nucleic acids DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) Heredity Chromosomes Identification RNA (Ribonucleic Acid) Ribonucleic acid

Acids, Bases and Salts Many inorganic and organic compounds found in living organisms are ones that we use in our daily lives. They can be classified into one of three groups – acids, bases and salts

Acids Sour taste When dissolved in water, will ionize into positively charged hydrogen ions (H+) and negatively charged ions of some other element or more simply Yields hydrogen ions (H+) in solution Litmus paper testing

Bases Bitter taste Also called alkali When dissolved in water, ionizes into negatively charged hydroxide (OH-) and positively charged ions of a metal Litmus paper testing

Neutralization and Salts Exchange reaction Acid + base = salt + water HCL + NaOH = NaCL + H2O

pH Scale Measure of acidity or alkalinity Ranges from 0 to 14 pH of 7 = neutral pH 0-6.9 = acid pH 7.1-14 = alkaline

Homeostasis Homeostasis is essential for living cells to function optimally Maintenance of balanced pH Through compound called a buffer (NaHCO3) Optimum cell functioning requires a stable cellular fluid environment Intracellular and extracellular fluids