The Chemistry Of Life

📘 Page 2: Atoms, Elements, Molecules, and Compounds
An atom is the smallest unit of matter, consisting of protons, neutrons, and electrons.

An element is a pure substance made up of only one type of atom.

A molecule forms when two or more atoms bond together.

A compound consists of two or more different elements chemically bonded.

Examples: O₂ (oxygen molecule), H₂O (water compound).

Compounds have properties different from the elements that compose them.

📘 Page 3: Inorganic and Organic Compounds
Inorganic compounds generally do not contain carbon-hydrogen (C-H) bonds.

Examples of inorganic compounds: water (H₂O), oxygen (O₂), carbon dioxide (CO₂), and minerals.

Water is vital for life, acting as a solvent and medium for chemical reactions.

Organic compounds contain carbon and are found in all living organisms.

Examples of organic compounds: carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids.

Organic compounds are essential for energy storage and structural functions in organisms.

📘 Page 4: Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are organic compounds composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen.

They serve as a primary energy source for living organisms.

Simple sugars like glucose are monosaccharides

complex carbohydrates include starch and cellulose.

Carbohydrates are classified into monosaccharides, disaccharides, and polysaccharides.

Plants store energy as starch

animals store energy as glycogen.

Cellulose provides structural support in plant cell walls.

📘 Page 5: Monosaccharides, Disaccharides, and Polysaccharides
Monosaccharides are single sugar units

examples include glucose, fructose, and galactose.

Disaccharides consist of two monosaccharides joined together

examples are sucrose, maltose, and lactose.

Polysaccharides are long chains of monosaccharides

examples include starch, glycogen, and cellulose.

Starch is the storage form of glucose in plants

glycogen is the storage form in animals.

Cellulose provides structural support in plant cell walls and is indigestible by humans.

The structure and function of these carbohydrates are determined by the type and arrangement of their sugar units.
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📘 Page 6: Lipids
Lipids are organic compounds made of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen.

They include fats, oils, and waxes, serving as long-term energy storage.

Lipids are insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents.

They play a role in insulating the body and protecting organs.

Phospholipids are essential components of cell membranes.

Steroids, a type of lipid, function as hormones in the body.

📘 Page 7: Proteins
Proteins are composed of amino acids linked by peptide bonds.

They contain carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen.

Proteins perform various functions: structural support, enzymes, transport, and defense.

Enzymes are proteins that catalyze biochemical reactions.

Protein structure is determined by the sequence of amino acids.

Denaturation alters protein structure, affecting its function.

📘 Page 8: Nucleic Acids
Nucleic acids include DNA and RNA, composed of nucleotides.

Nucleotides consist of a sugar, phosphate group, and nitrogenous base.

DNA stores genetic information

RNA is involved in protein synthesis.

The sequence of bases in DNA determines genetic instructions.

Mutations are changes in the DNA sequence that can affect protein function.

Nucleic acids are essential for inheritance and cell function.

📘 Page 9: Vitamins
Vitamins are organic compounds required in small amounts for normal metabolism.

They are classified as water-soluble (e.g., B-complex, C) or fat-soluble (e.g., A, D, E, K).

Vitamins function as coenzymes or precursors for enzyme systems.

Deficiency in vitamins can lead to specific diseases (e.g., scurvy from lack of vitamin C).

Most vitamins must be obtained from the diet.

Balanced nutrition ensures adequate vitamin intake.

📘 Page 10: Minerals
Minerals are inorganic elements essential for body functions.

Macrominerals (e.g., calcium, potassium) are needed in larger amounts.

Trace minerals (e.g., iron, zinc) are required in smaller quantities.

Minerals play roles in bone formation, nerve function, and enzyme activity.

Deficiencies can lead to health issues like anemia (iron deficiency).

A varied diet helps maintain proper mineral levels.

📘 Page 11: Water
Water is the most abundant inorganic compound in living organisms.

It acts as a solvent, facilitating chemical reactions.

Water regulates body temperature through evaporation.

It provides a medium for transport of nutrients and waste.

Water's cohesive and adhesive properties aid in plant water transport.

Maintaining hydration is vital for physiological processes.

📘 Page 12: Summary of Biomolecules
Living organisms consist of various organic and inorganic compounds.

Carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids are key organic molecules.

Water and minerals are essential inorganic substances.

Each biomolecule has specific functions vital for life.

Balanced nutrition provides necessary biomolecules and nutrients.

Understanding these compounds is fundamental to biology