Study of chemistry of life

Atoms: the smallest unit of matter

neutrons: neutral subunit of atomic nucleus

protons: positively charged subunit of atomic nucleus

electrons: negatively charged particles surrounding the nucleus

Elements: group of one type of atom

Common elements in the earth’s crust:

Oxygen: 47%

Silicon: 28%

Aluminum: 8%

Iron: 5%

Other elements: 12%

Common elements in dry air

Nitrogen: 78%

Oxygen: 21%

The Periodic Table

Covalent Bonds: non-metal elements share electrons to complete outer shells.

Ionic Bonds: metal and non-metal elements lose/ gain electrons to complete outer shells.

Hydrogen Bonds: slight attraction between slightly charged molecules.

Common Elements

Ca: Calcium

Sn: Tin

Au: Gold

Ag: Silver

Cu: Copper

Fe: Iron

Hg: Mercury

Na: Sodium

Cl: Chlorine

Six common elements in living organisms:

C: Carbon

H: Hydrogen

O: Oxygen

N: Nitrogen

P: Phosphorus

S: Sulfur

Biochemistry: Organic Compounds

Organic Compounds: compounds made and used by living organisms.

Must contain carbon and hydrogen.

95% of living matter is made of C, H, O, and N

99% of living matter is made of C, H, O, N, P, and S

Carbohydrates

Elements: carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen.

Building Blocks: monosaccharides

Examples

glucose: blood sugar

sucrose: table sugar

starch: plant storage molecule

glycogen: animal starch

cellulose: plant building molecule

Function: energy, structure

Lipids

Elements: carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen.

Building Blocks: fatty acids and glycerol

Examples

saturated fat: solid at room temperature

unsaturated fat: liquid at room temperature

cholesterol

waxes

steroids

Function: energy storage, insulation

Proteins

Elements: carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur.

Building Blocks: amino acids

Examples

muscle

hair

nails

feathers

Function: enzymes in biochemical reactions; structural materials

Nucleic Acids

Elements: carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and phosphorus.

Building Blocks: nucleotides

Examples

DNA

RNA

Function: store genetic information

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