Key Components of Living Beings and Biology Fundamentals

This set of 50 flashcards covers key vocabulary and concepts from the biology lecture on the main components of living beings, including the role of water, organic and inorganic substances, carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and minerals.

What are the main components of living beings?

Main components include inorganic substances like water, acids, bases, and minerals; and organic substances like carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, enzymes, and nucleic acids.

What percentage of the human body is water?

About 65% of the human body is composed of water.

What are monosaccharides?

Monosaccharides are the simplest form of carbohydrates, containing single sugar units.

What is the general formula for carbohydrates?

The general formula for carbohydrates is Cn(H2O)n.

What is the pH scale used for?

The pH scale measures the acidity or basicity of a solution.

What constitutes the cellular membrane?

The cellular membrane is primarily composed of phospholipids.

What role does calcium play in the body?

Calcium is essential for the formation of bones and teeth, blood coagulation, and nerve transmission.

What are lipids?

Lipids are organic compounds that include fats, oils, and waxes, providing energy and forming cell membranes.

What are the types of lipids?

Types of lipids include fatty acids, glycerides, phospholipids, and steroids.

What is the function of enzymes?

Enzymes are proteins that act as catalysts in biochemical reactions.

What do we mean by acides aminés essentiels?

Essential amino acids are those that the body cannot synthesize and must be obtained through diet.

What is the approximate daily water loss from the human body?

The human body loses about 2.5 to 3 liters of water daily.

What are disaccharides?

Disaccharides are carbohydrates formed from two monosaccharides linked by a glycosidic bond.

What is the primary source of energy for the human brain?

Glucose is the primary source of energy for the human brain.

What are the roles of proteins in the body?

Proteins serve structural, transport, regulatory, and defense functions in the body.

What defines an organic molecule?

An organic molecule primarily contains carbon atoms.

What is osmosis?

Osmosis is the movement of water across a semipermeable membrane from a region of lower solute concentration to a region of higher concentration.

Define polysaccharides. What are some examples?

Polysaccharides are complex carbohydrates formed from long chains of monosaccharides, examples include starch and cellulose.

What are vitamins?

Vitamins are organic compounds that are essential for normal growth and nutrition, typically required in small amounts.

What is the definition of acids and bases?

Acids are substances that donate protons (H+) in a solution; bases are substances that accept protons.

What is the significance of mineral salts?

Mineral salts are important for various bodily functions including bone formation, muscle function, and nerve conduction.

What does ATP stand for and its function?

ATP stands for adenosine triphosphate and serves as the energy currency of the cell.

What is the significance of glucose in the diet?

Glucose provides a rapid source of energy for cellular processes.

What are the health risks associated with excess saturated fats?

Excess saturated fats can lead to cardiovascular diseases and obesity.

What is the basic structure of nucleic acids?

Nucleic acids are polymers made up of nucleotides, which include a sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base.

Differentiate between saturated and unsaturated fats.

Saturated fats contain no double bonds in their fatty acid chains, while unsaturated fats contain one or more double bonds.

What role do enzymes play in metabolism?

Enzymes speed up metabolic reactions, allowing biochemical processes to occur efficiently.

What function do hormones serve in the body?

Hormones act as chemical messengers that regulate physiological processes.

What are the primary components of cell membranes?

Cell membranes are primarily composed of a bilayer of phospholipids, cholesterol, and proteins.

What do minerals contribute to biological systems?

Minerals contribute to structure, function, and regulation in biological systems.

How does water help in thermoregulation?

Water helps maintain a stable temperature by absorbing and releasing heat.

What dietary sources provide potassium?

Dietary sources include bananas, beans, and leafy green vegetables.

How are proteins synthesized in the body?

Proteins are synthesized by linking amino acids in specific sequences through peptide bonds.

What is the role of fiber in diet?

Fiber aids in digestion and helps maintain bowel health.

What are the three types of carbohydrates?

The three types of carbohydrates are monosaccharides, disaccharides, and polysaccharides.

What happens to proteins at high temperatures?

Proteins denature at high temperatures, losing their functional shape.

What is the primary role of chlorophyll in plants?

Chlorophyll is essential for photosynthesis, allowing plants to absorb sunlight.

Define the term 'hydrolysis'.

Hydrolysis is a chemical breakdown of a compound due to reaction with water.

What is the function of fats in the human body?

Fats provide a source of energy, support cell growth, and protect organs.

List some diseases caused by mineral deficiencies.

Diseases caused by mineral deficiencies include osteoporosis, anemia, and scurvy.

What are the roles of carbohydrates in living organisms?

Carbohydrates provide energy, serve as energy reserves, and play structural roles.

What is the significance of dietary fiber?

Dietary fiber helps regulate the body’s use of sugars, helping to keep hunger and blood sugar in check.

What is a polysaccharide of structure in plants?

Cellulose is a polysaccharide that provides structural support in plant cell walls.