Inorganic Compounds and Minerals Lecture Notes

Flashcards covering organic vs inorganic compounds, the importance of water, macro and micro minerals, deficiency diseases, and the process of eutrophication.

Organic compounds

Substances that contain carbon, usually bonded to hydrogen, such as DNA, sugar, methane ($CH_4$), and ethanol ($C_2H_5OH$).

Inorganic compounds

Substances that usually do not contain carbon, including water, minerals, and specific carbon compounds like carbon dioxide ($CO_2$), carbonates, cyanides, and carbides.

Universal solvent

A property of water that refers to its ability to dissolve a wide range of substances; it is the most common inorganic molecule in the human body.

Macro elements

Minerals needed by the body in larger amounts, such as phosphorus ($P$) and calcium ($Ca$).

Micro elements

Minerals needed by the body in tiny amounts, such as iron ($Fe$), sodium ($Na$), iodine ($I$), and potassium ($K$).

Phosphorus ($P$)

A macro element used to make bones, teeth, $ATP$, phospholipids, proteins, nucleotides, and enzymes; in plants, it is needed for healthy roots.

Calcium ($Ca$)

A macro element used for bones, teeth, muscle function, blood clotting, and nerve impulses; deficiency causes a weakened skeleton and rickets.

Iron ($Fe$)

A micro element needed for chlorophyll in plants and for hemoglobin in human red blood cells.

Sodium ($Na$)

A micro element needed for the correct working of nerves and muscles, and for the water balance of the body; deficiency results in muscle cramps.

Iodine ($I$)

A micro element required for making up thyroxin in the thyroid gland.

Potassium ($K$)

A micro element that activates plant enzymes and regulates water balance; in humans, it helps start and stop muscle contractions and regulates the heartbeat.

Magnesium ($Mg$)

A macronutrient that helps maintain nerve and muscle function, supports the immune system, keeps the heartbeat steady, and helps bones remain strong.

Chlorosis

A condition in plants caused by a lack of iron ($Fe$) and nitrates ($NO_3$), resulting in less chlorophyll production, yellow leaves, and stunted growth.

Anaemia

A condition in humans caused by a lack of iron ($Fe$) needed to make red blood cells, with symptoms including fatigue, dizziness, and paleness.

Hypokalaemia

A potassium deficiency in humans that can cause uncontrolled muscle contractions (cramps) and heart palpitations.

Rickets

A disease caused by a lack of calcium ($Ca$) that results in a weakened skeleton.

Vitamin D

A nutrient the body makes when exposed to Ultraviolet ($UV$) rays from the sun; found in foods like fatty fish, butter, and fortified milk.

Goitre

A metabolic problem and enlargement of the thyroid gland that may result from a lack of iodine ($I$).

Cretinism

A condition of severe physical and mental retardation caused by iodine deficiency specifically during early pregnancy.

Fertilizers used on farmlands

Substances used to add missing minerals to overused soil, including $N$, $K$, $P$, ammonium sulphate, ammonium phosphate, and potassium chloride.

Eutrophication

A high concentration of nutrients (like $N$ and $P$) in a body of water, leading to algae blooms, blocked sunlight, oxygen depletion by bacteria, and the death of fish.

Red Tide

A form of natural eutrophication occurring along the coast.