Chemical Basis of Life

Four most common elements in the living body?

Carbon(C), Hydrogen(H), Oxygen(O) and Nitrogen(N)

Other elements essential for the survival of organisms?

Sulphur(S), Phosphorous(P), Sodium(Na), Potassium(K), Calcium(Ca), Magnesium(Mg), Iron(Fe) and Chlorine(Cl)

Most abundant element in the living body?

Oxygen(O)

Two categories of chemical compounds?

Organic Compounds and Inorganic Compounds

Define ‘Organic Compounds‘

Compounds which contain Carbon are known as Organic Compounds

Define ‘Inorganic Compounds‘

Compounds which do not contain Carbon are known as Inorganic Compounds

Inorganic Compounds which contain Carbon?

Carbon dioxide(CO₂), Carbon monoxide(CO), Carbonates and Bicarbonates

Define ‘Bio Molecules‘

Organic Compounds that build up the living body or living matter are known as Bio Molecules

Main types of Bio Molecules?

Carbohydrates, Proteins, Lipids and Nucleic Acids

Most abundant organic compound on Earth?

Carbohydrates

Food which contain Carbohydrates?

Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes, Grains, Sugar

Main elemental composition of Carbohydrates?

Carbon(C), Hydrogen(H) and Oxygen(O)

Ratio in which Hydrogen and Oxygen combine in Carbohydrates?

2:1

Common molecular formula of Carbohydrates?

C_x (H₂O)_y

Carbohydrates can be classified into three groups based on their structure. Name the groups.

Monosaccharides, Disaccharides and Polysaccharides

Name the structural unit of Carbohydrates

Monosaccharide

Features of Monosaccharides?

• Crystal Shaped

• Generally Sweet

• Water Soluble Molecules

Examples for Monosaccharides?

Glucose, Fructose and Galactose

Sweetest Suger?

Fructose

How can we obtain Monosaccharides?

By hydrolyzing Disaccharides

Features of Disaccharides?

• Sweet

• Water Soluble Crystals

Examples for Disaccharides?

Maltose, Sucrose and Lactose

Glucose+Glucose»»?

Glucose+Glucose»»Maltose+Water

Glucose+Fructose»»?

Glucose+Fructose»»Sucrose+Water

Glucose+Glucose»»?

Glucose+Glucose»»Lactose+Water

How is a Polysaccharide formed?

By the polymerization of a large number of Monosaccharides

How is a Disaccharide formed?

By joining two Monosaccharides

Features of a Polysaccharide?

• Insoluble in water

• Not crystals

Examples for Polysaccharides?

Cellulose, Starch and Glycogen

Structural Unit of Cellulose, Starch and Glycogen?

Glucose

Type of Carbohydrates that are stored in plants?

Starch

Type of Carbohydrates that are stored in animals?

Glycogen

Significance of Carbohydrates?

• As an energy source

• As a storage compound

• As a structural component in the plant cell wall

• As a constituent of Nucleic acid

Elements present in Proteins?

Carbon(C), Hydrogen(H), Oxygen(O) and Nitrogen(N)

What is the Protein molecule made of?

Polymerized amino acid molecules

Simplest Amino Acid?

Glycine

Significance of Proteins?

• As an energy source

• To make structural components

• As enzymes

• As hormones

• As antibodies

Test to identify Proteins?

Biurete Test

What are Enzymes?

Special proteins(organic catalysts) that are produced within the organism to increase the rate of biochemical reactions are known as enzymes.

Term to define lipids which are solid at room temperature

Fats

Term to define lipids which are liquids at room temperature

Oils

Constituent elements of Lipids?

Carbon(C), Hydrogen(H) and Oxygen(O)

Fatty acids+Glycerol»»?

Fatty acids+Glycerol»»Lipids+Water

Significance of Lipids?

• As an energy source

• To form different structural components

• For conservation of water

• To maintain body temperature

• To protect internal body organs

• To synthesize some hormones

Test to identify lipids?

Sudan III test

Most important molecule out of the main Bio Molecules?

Nucleic Acids

Constituent elements of Nucleic Acids?

Carbon(C), Hydrogen(H), Oxygen(O), Nitrogen(N) and Phosphorous(P)

Types of Nucleic Acids?

DNA(Deoxy Ribo Nucleic Acid) and RNA(Ribo Nucleic Acid)

Function of DNA and RNA?

• DNA - transfers genetic characteristics from generation to generation

• RNA - protein synthesis

Each nucleotide is made up of 3 components. They are;

• Nitrogenous Base

• Pentose Sugar Group

• Phosphate Group