Unit 1: Topic 2 - Elements of Life Flashcards
What does CHONPS stand for?
Carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorous, and sulfur. These are the six main elements that make up life.
In order for organisms to grow, reproduce, and live, what must they do?
Exchange matter with the environment.
What are the uses of carbon in living organisms?
Carbon is used in all organic molecules (carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids) and is used to create storage compounds (starch, glucose, etc.). It is also used in cell formation since it is an essential part of every organic molecule.
What are the uses of nitrogen in living organisms?
Nitrogen is used as a component of proteins and nucleic acids
What are the uses of phosphorus in living organisms?
Phosphorus is used as a component of nucleic acids and some lipids (phospholipids)
What are proteins, and what elements are they composed of?
Proteins are composed of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and, in certain proteins, sulfur. Proteins are the most diverse out of all the macromolecules and are used as structural components, chemical messengers, and to facilitate chemical reactions.
What are nucleic acids, and what elements are they composed of?
Nucleic acids are used to store genetic information. Carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and phosphorous are the elements that compose nucleic acids.
What are lipids, and what elements are they composed of?
Lipids are fats and are used as energy storage, structural components in cells, and as chemical messengers. The elements that make up lipids are carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and sometimes phosphorous (specifically in phospholipids).
What are carbohydrates, and what elements are they composed of?
Carbohydrates are used mainly to store energy, although specific carbohydrates are used as structural components. The elements that make up carbohydrates are carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen.
