Chemical Constituents of Organisms

Vocabulary flashcards reviewing the inorganic and organic chemical constituents of organisms and their functions.

Inorganic chemical constituents

Substances in organisms that include water and inorganic ions (e.g. nitrate, magnesium, iron, calcium and phosphate).

Glucose

A carbohydrate that serves as the main energy source for cells.

Starch

A carbohydrate that acts as an energy reserve in plants.

Glycogen

A carbohydrate that acts as an energy reserve in animals.

Cellulose

A carbohydrate that is a major component of plant cell walls.

Triglycerides (fats and oil)

Lipids that function as an energy reserve in organisms; when stored as fats in adipose tissues, they reduce heat loss and protect internal organs in animals.

Phospholipids

Lipids that are a major component of cell membranes.

Structural proteins

Proteins that make up body tissues.

Enzymes

Proteins that regulate chemical reactions.

Hormones

Proteins that help regulate body processes.

Antibodies

Proteins that help protect the body against pathogens.

Haemoglobin

A protein that carries oxygen.

Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)

A nucleic acid that carries genetic information.

Ribonucleic acid (RNA)

A nucleic acid involved in the synthesis of proteins.