Requirements of Life and Biological Molecules

These flashcards cover key concepts related to the requirements of life, the biological molecules involved, and the organization of the human body.

Atoms and Molecules

The foundational components of life that interact to form molecules, which create the structures of the body.

Emergent Properties

Novel properties that arise from the interactions and arrangement of molecules and structures, not observable at lower levels.

Capillaries

Small blood vessels that transport blood, a property that emerges from the interaction of endothelial cells.

Food as Raw Materials

Nutrients required by the body for building structures and providing energy.

Energy Flow in Ecosystems

• The movement of energy through producers, consumers, and decomposers in an ecosystem.

• Flows only in one direction and can’t be cycled.

• Relies on an external source to be obtained.

• Energy is lost as it flows through the systems

Producers

Organisms that convert solar energy into chemical energy.

I.e. Plants, Algae, Some Bacteria.

Consumers

Organisms that obtain energy by eating other organisms.

I.e. Animals

Decomposers

Organisms that break down dead matter and recycle nutrients back into the ecosystem.

I.e. Bacteria: Obtain nutrients through dead organisms

Placenta

The organ that serves as the interface between mother and fetus for nutrient and gas exchange.

Nutrient Cycling

• The movement of nutrients from the environment, through organisms, and back to the environment.

• They are conserved by having the ability to cycle through organisms (internally)

Diffusion

The process by which molecules move from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration across membranes.

Four Biological Molecules of Life

Carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids, each serving essential functions in living organisms.

Example of a Protein

Hemoglobin:

Hemoglobin is found in red blood cell and function as a form of transportation for oxygen to be facilitated around the whole body

Example of a Carbohydrate

Glucose:

Glucose is a carbohydrate that is found in food and when consumed, provides energy to the body.

Example of a Lipid

Triglyceride:

A lipid found in fats and oils, it consists of a glycerol backbone that is attached to three fatty acids.

Example of a Nucleic Acid

DNA or RNA:

DNA is a nucleic acid that determines gene expression and how an organism is going to develop.

Photosynthesis

A process where plants and other specific organisms convert light energy into chemical energy.

Cellular Respiration

The process where cells convert nutrients into energy. Creation of ATP

Consists of:

• Krebs Cycle

• Electron Transport Chain

• Glycolysis

Glycolysis

Occurs in the cytoplasm, where glucose is broken down into two molecules of pyruvate and produces few amount of ATP and NADH.

Krebs Cycle

Occurs in the Mitochondria and after Glycolysis, where pyruvate is processed to create NADH and FADH2 (Electron carriers) as well as more ATP.

Electron Transport Chain

Occurs in the mitochondria, this process transports NADH and FADH2 through the ETC and attracts protons to help create large amounts of ATP. At the end of this process, Oxygen helps create water.

Relation between Cellular Respiration and Photosynthesis

The two processes are complimentary of one another. Photosynthesis captures and stores energy while Cellular Respiration releases stored energy for cellular processes.

Chemical Level of Organization

The level of organization where atoms form molecules, such as DNA.

Cellular Level of Organization

The stage where molecules form cells, like smooth muscle cells.

Tissue Level of Organization

The level where cells form tissues, including smooth muscle tissue.

Organ Level of Organization

The level where tissues form organs, such as the stomach.

Organismal Level of Organization

The complete organization formed by the combination of systems.

Energy Input

The requirement for continuous energy to maintain the body’s structure and function.

Digestive System

The system that processes food to extract nutrients and energy.

Respiratory System

The system responsible for delivering oxygen to the body.

Circulatory System

The system that transports nutrients, water, and oxygen throughout the body.

Simple Diffusion

Direct passage of fat-soluble molecules through the cell membrane without assistance.

Facilitated Diffusion

Movement of water-soluble molecules through the membrane via transport proteins.

Hierarchy of Organization

The arrangement of biological structures from atoms to the complete organism.

Adult vs Developing Body

Contrasts between fully formed adult body systems and the reliance of developing bodies on the placenta.

Key Digestive structures in order:

Mouth » Salivary glands » Esophagus » Stomach » Small Intestine » Large Intestine

Organs that aid in digestion are:

Pancreas, Liver, and Gallbladder

The nutrient and oxygen delivery process:

1. Materials diffuse from the maternal side of placenta

2. Cross into the fetal circulatory system

3. Fetal circulation delivers nutrients throughout the developing body

• Blood cells do not cross the placental barrier

Body design principles consist of:

• Systems emerge during embryonic development

• External materials must be acquired and utilized

• Digestive system evolved to meet these needs