1.2 Elements of life

Living systems require a constant input of energy

• The law of conservation of energy states that energy cannot be created or destroyed just transformed

• Living systems follow the laws of energy

• Living systems need a constant input of energy to grow, reproduce and maintain organization

• Living systems mainly use the energy stored in chemical bonds

Living systems require an exchange of matter

• Atoms and molecules from the environment are necessary to build new molecules

• Carbon is used to build biological molecules such as carbohydrates, proteins, nucleic acids and lipids

• Nitrogen is used to build proteins and nucleic acids

• Phosphorus is used to build nucleic acids and certain lipids

Takeaways 

1. Living systems need a constant input of energy to grow, reproduce and maintain organization

2. Atoms and molecules from the environment are necessary to build new molecules

3. Carbon is used to build all macromolecules, store energy and form cells

4. Nitrogen is used to build proteins and nucleic acids

5. Phosphorus is used to build nucleic acids and certain lipids