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Published byAlyson Heath Modified over 6 years ago
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What are the building blocks of organisms? Why do we have to eat?
Chemistry of Life What are the building blocks of organisms? Why do we have to eat?
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An atom is a unit of matter; the smallest unit of a chemical element.
Atoms & Molecules An atom is a unit of matter; the smallest unit of a chemical element.
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Atoms & Molecules Elements – a substance that can not be broken down into simpler substances by chemical means 96% of living organisms is made of: carbon (C) oxygen (O) hydrogen (H) nitrogen (N)
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Atoms & Molecules A molecule is a group of atoms that are held together by chemical bonds.
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What are some of the main molecules (compounds) that make us up?
Examples of molecules in living things are: Water H2O Carbohydrates (Lots of different kinds) Proteins (1000’s of different kinds) Fats (lots of different kinds) Nucleic acids
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Carbohydrates Basic units: sugars
Provide energy and structural support Fiber is a carbohydrate that prevents constipation Foods: breads, cereals, vegetables, fruits, & seeds Extra glucose is converted into glycogen in the liver Glucose
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Nucleic Acids Atoms: C, H, O, N, P
Basic units: nucleotides composed of Sugar Phosphate group Base: cytosine, guanine, adenime, thymine, uracil There are two types: DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) RNA (ribonucleic acid) Function: DNA directs & controls all activities of all cells in an organism – RNA helps
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DNA –DeoxyriboNucleic Acid
DNA is the hereditary material passed on from parents to offspring Structure: double-stranded Phosphate group Sugar deoxyribose Bases Cytosine – Guanine Adenine – Thymine
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Proteins Atoms: C, H, O, N, P, S Basic units: amino acids (20)
Provide energy & structure, repairs body tissues Some are called hormones, enzymes, neurotransmitters, etc. Foods high in protein: meat, eggs, poultry, milk & milk products, nuts, dried beans, peas, & lentils
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Lipids/Fats Basic units: fatty acids
Functions: provides energy & structure, cushions the body, and prevents heat loss Found in butter, margarine, candy Do not mix with water
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Phospholipids Functions: form cell membranes
made of fatty acid molecules that consist two distinct regions: a long hydrophobic hydrocarbon chain – water fearing a hydrophilic head – water loving
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Water Osmosis – the process by which water moves into or out of cells. Osmosis depends on the concentration of water inside and outside of the cell.
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Water
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