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The Chemical Composition of Cells

The Chemical Composition of Cells. Organic & Inorganic. Living things contain both organic and inorganic molecules. Most of the molecules in living organisms are organic , that is they contain carbon. Inorganic Molecules.

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The Chemical Composition of Cells

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  1. The Chemical Composition of Cells

  2. Organic & Inorganic • Living things contain both organic and inorganic molecules. • Most of the molecules in living organisms are organic, that is they contain carbon.

  3. Inorganic Molecules • Of the inorganic components of cells Water & minerals are the most important. • CO2 is also classified as inorganic because it is not a complex molecule and does not contain hydrogen.

  4. Water • Is the main component of organisms (cells are 80% water) • In cytoplasm - Provides the fluid environment that metabolic reactions occur in • Water is the universal solvent (most salts dissolve easily) • Water provides support & turgor to the cell.

  5. Minerals • Minerals are inorganic compounds in the food we eat. They are used in many structures of the body such as bones, teeth & blood. • Over 20 different minerals needed for the human body. • E.g. Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Potassium, Sodium, etc.

  6. The Organic Components of Cells

  7. Organic Compounds • The organic compounds commonly found in cells are: • Carbohydrates • Lipids • Nucleic Acids • Proteins

  8. Carbohydrates • Basic subunit is a sugar • Monosaccharide (glucose) • Join together to form complex carbohydrates • Polysaccharides (starch, cellulose)

  9. Proteins • Building a protein: • Begins with amino acids • Amino acids come together to make a string of polypeptides • Polypeptide chains fold and form into a variety of shapes based on their programmed function

  10. Lipids • Fats, oils, and waxes • Hydrophobic molecules • Typically, fats and waxes are solid at room temperature, oils are liquidFAT = glycerol + fatty acid

  11. Nucleic Acids • DNA: deoxyribonucleic acid • Located in chromosomes in nucleus of eukaryotic cells • String of nucleotides in a paired chain

  12. Vitamins • Organic molecules needed by body in minute amounts • Required for many metabolic processes • Water soluble - B and C, cannot be stored • Fat soluble – A D E K, too much can be harmful i

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