CHEMISTRY OF LIFE

CHEMISTRY OFLIFE

ChemistryIs a scientific discipline concerned with the atomic composition and structure of substances and the reaction it undergo.

Chemistry of LifeComposed the structures of the body, and the interaction of chemicals with one another are responsible for the functions of the body.

Important Chemistry Terms

Atom

Smallest particle of a chemical element that can exist alone or in combination.

Atomic Structure

Atoms consist of neutrons, positively charged protons and negatively charged electrons.Atoms are electrically neutral because the number of protons in atoms equals the number of electrons.Protons and neutrons are found in the nucleus, and electrons, which are located around the nucleus, can be represented by electron cloud.The atomic number is the unique number of protons in each atom of element.

Elements

Fundamental chemical substances that are made up of only one kind of atom.Is the simplest type of matter with unique chemical and physical properties.

CompoundChemical substance made up of two or more elements combined in a specific ratio and arrangement.

Molecule

Is two or more atoms chemically combined to form a structure that behaves as an independent unit.A chemical unit consisting two or more atoms attached together to one another by attractive force called chemical bonds.

Molecules ClassificationOrganic compounds

Inorganic compounds

Organic Compounds

Always contain the element carbon and are the principal materials that make up living system. It includes carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, vitamins and nucleic acids.

Carbohydrates

Compounds made up of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen atoms (CHO)Use as the main source of energy.Monosaccharide are the building blocks that form more complex carbohydrates; such as disaccharides and polysaccharides.

Proteinsbuilding blocks of protein are amino acids.instructions for arranging amino acids into many different proteins are stored in the DNAcontrol the rate of reactions and regulate cell processes while some are used to form bones and muscles.transport substances in and out of cells or help fight diseases.

Lipids large and varied groups of biological molecule that are generally not soluble in water. mostly from carbon and hydrogen atoms (CH)provides energy(fats), are structural components (phospholipids) and regulate physiological process (steroids)examples of lipids are fats, oil, waxes, steroids, phospholipids, and cholesterol. The building blocks and fats are glycerol and fatty acids

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Nucleic Acidsbiological molecules containing hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen and phosphorous (HONP)a nucleotide consists of three components: ribonucleic acid or RNA and deoxyribonucleic acid or DNA. represent the hereditary materials of the cell and are the key to translating genetic information into cellular functions. what makes living organisms alike or different from each other depends on the nucleic acids.

Vitaminsare organic substances present in small amounts in natural foodstuff which are necessary for normal growth and metabolism.are classified as fat-soluble and water solubleFat-soluble vitamins include Vitamins A, D, E and K. Water-soluble vitamins, on the other hand, include Vitamin B complex and Vitamin C

Inorganic Compounds

do not contain carbonare usually smaller and less complex. include mineral elements and water- the most abundant of all compounds in cell which constitutes about 2/3 of the body weight.

Elements in the Human Body

Elements with 96% total body weight

Oxygen- involves in the extraction of energy from food molecules.Carbon- ideal to build big biological molecules; a basic building block.Hydrogen- is practically always bound to the carbon that our bodies are constructed of; acid base balanceNitrogen- plays an important role in digestion of food and growth.

Elements with less than 4% total body weightSulfur- help construct virtually all parts of the human body; helps protect the cells in our bodies from environmental hazards such as air pollution and radiation.Phosphorus- a part of the body's energy storage system, and helps with maintaining healthy blood sugar levelsPotassium- send messages to the brain.Chlorine- the electrical charge that these elements carry is what allows nerve cells to work.Sodium-allows our bodies to maintain the right blood chemistry and the correct amount of water in our blood; allows our muscles to contract normallyMagnesium- we need it for the proper growth, formation and function of our bones and muscles

Elements with very small amount total body weight

Iron- important for maintaining a healthy immune system and for digesting certain things in the food that we eatIodine- it keeps our thyroid gland healthySilicon- to grow and maintain strong bones; also important for the growth of hair, skin and fingernailsFluorine- is an element that the body uses to strengthen bones and teeth