Human Bio Wk 3 & 4

body chemistry

the study of chemical processes within living organisms

molecular structure

arrangement of atoms in a molecule, influencing how it behaves in the body

biochemical reactions

a chemical process that takes places in a living organism

metabolism

the set of life-sustaining chemical reactions in the body

atom

smallest unit of matter

molecules

two or more atoms bond together

water

helps regulate body regular body temp, cushion joints and nutrient transport

polarity

molecule has a positive end and a negative end, this allows it to interact with other molecules

solvent

substance that dissolves in other substances

cohesion and adhesion

properties that allow water to stick to itself and other surfaces

macronutrients

required in large amounts of energy, structure and maintaining overall health

(includes proteins, carbs, lipids, and nucleic acid)

micronutrients

essential vitamins and minerals that are needed in small amounts to support vital body functions

(iron, zinc, vitamin d, vitamin b12)

reactants

starting materials of a chemical reaction

products

outcomes of a chemical reaction

synthesis reactions

chemical reaction where smaller molecules combine to form larger ones

decomposition reactions

chemical reaction where a larger molecule breaks down into two or more smaller parts

acidosis

condition where blood pH becomes too acidic (under 7.35)

alkalosis

condition where blood pH becomes too basic (above 7.45)

buffers

act like a chemical sponge that soaks up extra acids

carbohydrates

body preferred source of energy, especially for brain and muscles

simple carbs

quick spikes of energy (sugary things, apples etc)

complex carbs

offer more sustained energy (oat, brown rice, beans etc)

proteins

essesntial for building muscle, repairing tissues, supporting immune fx, creating enzymes

made of amino acids

Lipid (fats)

long term energy source, organ and temp protections, hormone production

unsaturated fats

supports brain function, reduces inflammation, promote heart health

(avocado, fish, nuts, seeds)

saturated fats

excess can raise cholesterol and heart disease risk

(beef, butter, fried food, ice cream)

Angiotensin Converting Enzyme

key enzyme found mostly in lungs and blood vessels to regulate blood pressure

ACE inhibitors

meds that block the active site of ACE, preventing change of Angiotensin 1 to Angiotensin 2

inhibitors affect

when angiotensin 2 constricts blood vessels and increase blood pressure, so when ACE inhibitors are used the enter the blood vessles and activate which cause the blood vessles to dilate and relax, dropping blood pressure

metabolism

sum of all chemical processes in the body converting food into energy and materials

catabolism

breaks down big molecules (like a cat tearing apart a toy)

anabolism

builds up (like eating to grow), constructing larger molecules and using energy

cellular metabolism

all chemical reactions in cells that turn nutrients into usable energy

enzymes

speeds up chemical reactions