Chapter 2 Chemistry Part 3 of 4 Inorganic Compounds

Types of Compounds Two types of compounds important to life: Two types of compounds important to life: Organic Compounds Organic Compounds Inorganic Compounds Inorganic Compounds

Biochemistry: Essentials for Life Slide 2.21 Copyright © 2003 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Benjamin Cummings Organic compounds Contain carbon Most are covalently bonded Example: C 6 H 12 O 6 (glucose) Inorganic compounds Lack carbon Tend to be simpler compounds Example: H 2 O (water)

Important Inorganic Compounds Water Water Salts Salts Acids/Bases Acids/Bases

Important Inorganic Compounds Water Most abundant inorganic compounds Vital properties High heat capacity-absorbs and releases large quantities of heat. Helps stop sudden changes in body temperature. Polarity/solvent properties-you can dissolve or suspend many substances. Chemical reactivity -water reacts with many molecules and compounds Cushioning -protective function-cushioning our brains (cerebrospinal fluid) & un-born babies (Amniotic fluid)

Important Inorganic Compounds Slide 2.23 Copyright © 2003 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Benjamin Cummings Salts Easily dissolve in the presence of water Vital to many body functions Include electrolytes which conduct electrical currents

Important Inorganic Compounds Slide 2.24 Acids (electrolytes-they conduct an electrical current) Have a sour taste Bases (electrolytes-they conduct an electrical current) Have a bitter taste When Acids and Bases are mixed they create a Neutralization reaction Acids and bases react to form water and a salt

pH Slide 2.25 Measures relative concentration of hydrogen ions pH 7 = neutral pH below 7 = acidic pH above 7 = basic Buffers Chemicals that can regulate pH change Figure 2.11