The chemistry of life Flashcards Preview

LS10 - Life Sciences > The chemistry of life > Flashcards

Flashcards in The chemistry of life Deck (32)
Loading flashcards...
1
Q

Atoms

A

Smallest units of matter

2
Q

Molecules

A

Chemicals made up of atoms held together by bonds

3
Q

Compound

A

Chemical substances made of two or more elements

4
Q

Inorganic substances

A

Chemicals made by natural geophysical processes

5
Q

Organic substances

A

Chemicals derived through chemical reactions in living organisms They are large molecules They contain carbon, hydrogen and oxygen as well as other elements

6
Q

An energy source compound made by plants

A

starch / glucose/ carbohydrates

7
Q

Example inorganic compounds made by organisms

A

Carbon dioxide Oxygen Water

8
Q

Metabolism

A

The chemical processes in organisms in order to maintain life

9
Q

Uses of water in organisms

A

Dissolve substances Transport substances A medium in which chemical reactions occur Control temperature Support and structure Reproduction

10
Q

Mineral elements

A

Inorganic compounds Found in the environment as salts

11
Q

Trace or micro mineral elements

A

Minerals needed in small quantities by an organism

12
Q

Macro mineral elements

A

Minerals needed in large quantities by an organism

13
Q

How animals obtain mineral elements

A

Food and water consumed as part of their diet (consumers)

14
Q

How plants obtain mineral elements

A

Taken up from the soil by the roots dissolved in water

15
Q

Sodium function in humans

A

Nerve impulse transmission water regulation

16
Q

Sodium deficiency in humans

A

coma seizures nerve problems swelling decreased muscle function.

17
Q

Potassium function in humans

A

Nerve impulse transmission water regulation

18
Q

Potassium deficiency in humans

A

fatigue muscle weakness and cramps slow reflexes irregular heartbeat mood changes dry skin and acne increased urination

19
Q

Calcium function in humans

A

Bone strength Muscle function

20
Q

Calcium deficiency in humans

A

Osteoporosis irregular heartbeat muscle spasms

21
Q

Phosphorus function in humans

A

bone strength energy production phospholipid structure in cell membranes element in DNA and RNA

22
Q

Phosphorus deficiency in humans

A

Muscle dysfunction nerve dysfunction Osteoporosis

23
Q

Iron function in humans

A

Produces haemoglobin Part of enzyme function Energy production

24
Q

Iron deficiency in humans

A

Anaemia Lethargy

25
Q

Iodine function in humans

A

Producing the hormone thyroxine Maintaining metabolism

26
Q

Iodine deficiency in humans

A

Hypothyroidism Goitre Cretinism and mental retardation Breast and stomach cancer

27
Q

Mineral elements needed by plants

A

Nitrogen (N) as nitrates Phosphorus (P) as phosphates Potassium (K) Calcium (Ca) Magnesium (Mg) Sulphur (S) Iron (Fe)

28
Q

The seven characteristics of life

A

Nutrition Response to stimuli Growth Reproduction Respiration Excretion Movement

29
Q

Hierarchy of organization in an organism

A

Cell Tissue Organ System

30
Q

Polymers

A

A substance made up of many smaller similar sub-units Sub units called monomers

31
Q

Monomer of carbohydrates

A

Saccharides Ring shaped units

32
Q

Structure of sugars

A

Mono- or disaccharides