Chemicals in the body Chapter 2

Elements  Our bodies are a form of matter  Matter is made of elements  Therefore our body is made of elements  4 main elements make up the majority of the body (96%)  Oxygen (65%)  Carbon (18.5%)  Hydrogen (9.5%)  Nitrogen (3.2%)

Elements  These four are the fundamental elements in most organic and some inorganic compounds  Explains why they are so common  However, there are many other elements involved in the body  Each has their own unique function that they serve and problems that will occur if they are not present

Sodium  Roles  Nerve impulses  Fluid balance  Acid-base  Deficiency  dehydration

Zinc  Roles  maintenance of immune system  Co-factor for enzymes (metabolism of carbohydrates)  Smell and Taste  Deficiency  Impaired taste and smell  Increased infections

Copper  Roles  Red blood cell (hemoglobin) production  Deficiency?

Chlorine  Roles  Acid-base balance  Fluid balance  Deficiency  Alkolosis  Dehydration  Similar roles to what other element?

Iodine  Roles  Normal metabolism-production of thyroid hormones  Deficiency  Goiter  Hypothyroidism

Iron  Roles  Red blood cell production (part of protein hemoglobin)  Deficiency  Anemia (most common deficiency world-wide)  Lack energy  Shortness of breath  Why are women at a higher risk for deficiency?

Chromium  Roles  Co-factors for enzymes to catabolize fats  Insulin metabolism  Synthesis of cholesterol  Deficiency  Impaired HDL  Inability to stabilize sugar levels in blood

Calcium  Roles  Bones  Muscle contraction  Nerve impulses in the brain  Deficiency  Osteoporosis  Cramps  Muscle spasm

Potassium  Roles  Help transfer materials in and out of cells  Nerve impulses  Deficiency  Muscle cramping  Inability to conduct nerve impulses

Vitamin B 6  Roles  Amino acid metabolism  Antibody formation  Deficiency?

Vitamin C  Roles  Improves iron absorption  Antioxidant  Deficiency  scurvy

 1.An individual experiences shortness of breath due to lack of oxygen transported to tissues.  2.An individual experiences irregularity in metabolic processes because enzymes are not activated.  3.An individual experiences muscle cramping along with a water imbalance. Also, the ability to conduct nerve impulses is being hindered.

 4.An individual experiences weak bones.  5.An individual experience problems with metabolism due to lack of functionality among thyroid hormones.  6.An individual experiences a lack of cellular energy.  7.An individual experiences dizziness and a headache due to blood alkalosis

Bonding and Reactions  One of the primary functions of all elements in the body is to react and bond to create compounds  2 main types of reactions  Synthesis (A + B -> AB)  Decomposition (AB -> A + B)

Examples of Reactions

Exchange Reaction  The Synth. and Decomp. reactions will often combine to create an Exchange Reaction.  AB + C -> AC + B  AB + CD -> AD + CB

Biochemistry: Compounds  All chemicals in the body fall into two categories  Inorganic Compounds  Organic Compounds  Both categories are important, just in different ways

Inorganic Compounds: Water  Most abundant inorganic compound in the body  Characteristics that make it valuable  High Heat Capacity  Prevents sudden body temp changes  It’s a great solvent  Can help transport substances  Chemical reactivity  Hydrolysis reactions – break down food  Cushioning (ex. Brain)

Inorganic Compounds: Salts and Acids & Bases  Salts  Serve as electrolytes  Nerve impulses, muscle contraction, transport substances  Acids and Bases  Also serve as electrolytes  Play huge role in reactions  Proton donors or accepters  Maintain body pH

Organic Compounds: Carbohydrates