1. Elements of Life

2. Important Elements CHON
Most frequently occurring elements in organisms-
Carbon
Hydrogen
Oxygen
Nitrogen
Living organisms on Earth are often referred to as carbon-based life.

3. Organic compounds
Compounds containing carbon found in living organisms
Not including carbonates (CO3-2), hydrogen carbonates (HCO3-), hydrocarbons (CH4) and oxides of carbon (CO2 and CO). These are considered inorganic.
Often based upon a skeleton of carbon
An infinite variety possible
There are four principal groups: sugars, fatty acids, amino acids and nucleotides
© 2007 Paul Billiet ODWS

4. Carbon Compounds 6 C
Carbon
12.011

5. CARBON Tetravalent  4 different bonds  HUGE variety of compounds
Forms long chains (polymers)  macromolecules and ring structures
Tetrahedral structure  3-D variation  optical isomerism
© 2007 Paul Billiet ODWS

6. Carbon Compounds
Straight Chains
Branched Chains
Rings

7. Carbon Compounds Single Covalent Bond Double Covalent Bond
Triple Covalent Bond

8. Other Important Elements and their Functions
Prokaryotes
Plants
Animals
Sulfur (S)
Component of two amino acids
A component of two amino acids
Needed to make some types of antibodies
cysteine

9. Other Important Elements and their Functions
Prokaryotes
Plants
Animals
Calcium (Ca)
Flagella movement
Used in some enzyme reactions
Forms cell plate during cytokinesis
Regulates cell wall construction
Enzyme reactions
Shells, bones and teeth
Nerve impulses
Muscle contraction
Blood clotting

10. Other Important Elements and their Functions
Prokaryotes
Plants
Animals
Phosphorus (P)
Component of DNA and ATP
Needed for cell reproduction and division
Part of plasma membrane
Part of the plasma membrane

11. Other Important Elements and their Functions
Prokaryotes
Plants
Animals
Iron (Fe)
Cytochrome- used in respiration
Cytochrome- used in transferring light energy during photosynthesis
Hemoglobin; Cytochrome- used in mitochondrial respiration (aerobic)
hemoglobin
Cytochrome c

12. Other Important Elements and their Functions
Prokaryotes
Plants
Animals
Sodium (Na)
Important in membranes and osmosis
Main ion in cytoplasm (can replace K)
Transmission of nerve impulses