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Chemicals in the body Chapter 2
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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%)
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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
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Sodium Roles Nerve impulses Fluid balance Acid-base Deficiency dehydration
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Zinc Roles maintenance of immune system Co-factor for enzymes (metabolism of carbohydrates) Smell and Taste Deficiency Impaired taste and smell Increased infections
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Copper Roles Red blood cell (hemoglobin) production Deficiency?
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Chlorine Roles Acid-base balance Fluid balance Deficiency Alkolosis Dehydration Similar roles to what other element?
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Iodine Roles Normal metabolism-production of thyroid hormones Deficiency Goiter Hypothyroidism
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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?
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Chromium Roles Co-factors for enzymes to catabolize fats Insulin metabolism Synthesis of cholesterol Deficiency Impaired HDL Inability to stabilize sugar levels in blood
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Calcium Roles Bones Muscle contraction Nerve impulses in the brain Deficiency Osteoporosis Cramps Muscle spasm
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Potassium Roles Help transfer materials in and out of cells Nerve impulses Deficiency Muscle cramping Inability to conduct nerve impulses
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Vitamin B 6 Roles Amino acid metabolism Antibody formation Deficiency?
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Vitamin C Roles Improves iron absorption Antioxidant Deficiency scurvy
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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.
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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
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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)
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Examples of Reactions
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Exchange Reaction The Synth. and Decomp. reactions will often combine to create an Exchange Reaction. AB + C -> AC + B AB + CD -> AD + CB
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Biochemistry: Compounds All chemicals in the body fall into two categories Inorganic Compounds Organic Compounds Both categories are important, just in different ways
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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)
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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
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Organic Compounds: Carbohydrates
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