Inorganic and organic compounds

ORGANIC COMPOUNDS

1. Water

   • transporting nutrients and waste products in plants and animals

   • Photosynthesis

   • cooling the skins surface

2. Minerals

   Macroelements: elements in large amounts

   PLANTS

   calcium- component of cell walls- chlorosis

   Magnesium- forms part of chlorophyll molecule- chlorosis

   nitrogen- component of proteins and nucleic acids- undersized leaves and stunted growth

   phosphorus- component tof cell membranes and nucleic acid- poor root growth

   potassium- enzymes in photosynthesis and respiration-chlorosis and dead spots

   sulfur- need for root development and protein synthesis-chlorosis

   Microelements: elements in small amounts

   iron- part of enzyme that makes chlorophyll-chlorosis

   zinc- component of a wide variety of enzymes- poor leaf growth

   EUTROPHICATION- overgrowth of aquatic plants and ecosystems caused by presence of fertilisers or untreated sewage.

   ANIMALS

   Macroelements:

   calcium- formation of bones and teeth, prevents blood clotting- rickets

   Magnesium- formation of bones and teeth, formation of bones and teeth-soft bones

   phosphorus- component tof cell membranes and nucleic acid- rickets

   potassium- needed forfunctioning of heart, muscles and nerves- poor heart and muscle function

   sulfur- component of amino acids, muscle growth- metabolic activity effected

   iron- synthesis of haemoglobin - aneamia

   Microelements:

   iodine- functioning of thyroid gland- goitre