In this document, you can find all the topics of part 1 of unit 1 (All organic molecules)which is a summary of the whole course+my own notes with provided support on each subject. It is a ready-to-go package for people who want everything in a place. (with graphs, photos and tables)
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The biomedical basics of life
Despite the enormous diversity of creatures, all life on earth is
depends on the same biological basics of life and it called Carbon
chemistry. This is because all life is descended from one common
ancestor which also used carbon chemistry.
This Photo by
Archae Animals and bacteria
a plants
LCA
(Last as
Animals and plants are same common
Eukaryotes.
ancestor)
Carbon is special because it can form four bonds, and this allows
many carbon atoms to be bonded together to form more complex
molecules.
Carbone also acts like a backbone for organic
molecules(carbon-containing) that are found in all living
organisms.
, Introduction to inorganic Ions
Inorganic ions are charged atoms or molecules that fall into two
categories:
• Cations are positively charged ions
• Anions are negatively charged ions
Just like organic molecules, inorganic ions are essential for life
because they are:
✓ Components of many biological molecules
✓ Involved in key biological processes such as respiration
✓ Inorganic ions can also be classed as
macronutrients(main elements)and micronutrients(trace
elements)
Macronutrients are needed by organisms in larger quantities
than micronutrients.
If organisms do not manage to acquire enough of a
particular inorganic ion, they can become deficient
Magnesium ions (Mg2+): needed for production of chlorophyll
in plants
Calcium Ions
Calcium ions are important inorganic ions.
Ca2+ Cation
Calcium helps harden body parts such as bones, teeth, and
exoskeletons.
Calcium helps with movement of organisms.
Regulating transmission of impulses from neurone to
neurone.
Stimulating muscle contraction
, Calcium can also help regulate protein channels, which
affects the permeability of cell membrane
needed for the formation of calcium pectate to form the
middle lamella between cells in plants, and for bone
formation and muscle contraction in animals
Many enzymes are activated by calcium, making it a key
regulator in many biological reactions.
The presence of calcium ions is also necessary for the
formation of blood clots.
Finally, calcium is also important for the development of the
middle lamella inn between plant cell walls.
Sodium Ions
Sodium ions are important inorganic ions
Na+ Cation
Cation ions play a key role in regulating osmotic pressure which is
important in:
Helping plant cells remain turgid
Regulating absorption of water in kidney
Sodium ions are also integral for the transmission of nervous
impulses
Sodium ions are also involved in the maintenance of pH
Finally, sodium ions can also aid in active transport of
glucose and amino acids in intestine.
Potassium ions
Potassium ions are important inorganic ions
K+ Cation
Like sodium, potassium also plays an important role in:
, • Nervous transmission
• Osmotic potential
• Assisting active transport
Potassium is also needed to help grow healthy leaves and
flowers in plants.
Finally, potassium plays a role in the synthesis of proteins
and glycogen and the breakdown of glucose.
Hydrogen ions
Hydrogen ions are important inorganic ions
H+
The most important role for hydrogen ions is in
photosynthesis and respiration to drive the production of
ATP.
Hydrogen ions also determine the pH of bodily fluids
including:
• Blood pH which affects the function of haemoglobin.
• Cytoplasmic pH which affects the function of enzymes
• needed in cellular respiration and photosynthesis, and
in numerous pumps and systems in organisms,
balances pH
Ammonium Ions
Ammonium ions are important inorganic ions.
NH4+
Ammonium is a source of nitrogen which is a component of
many biological molecules, such as:
, • Amino acids, which make up
proteins.
• Organic bases, which are
components of nucleic acids like
DNA and RNA.
• Vitamins
• Chlorophyll
Ammonium ions are formed from ammonia by accepting a
hydrogen ion, so they help maintain pH levels.
Ammonium ions are also part of the nitrogen cycle.
Nitrate ions
Nitrate ions are important inorganic ions
NO3- Anion
Like ammonium, nitrate ions are used as a source of
nitrogen for making:
• Amino acids, which make up protein
• Organic bases, which
are components of
nucleic acids like
DNA and RNA.
• Vitamins
• Chlorophyll
• Nitrate ions are important part of nitrogen cycle.
Hydrogen carbonate ions
Hydrogen carbonate has the chemical formula:
, HCO3- Anion
Hydrogen carbonate ions are formed when carbon dioxide
dissolves in blood.
Hydrogen carbonate ions are therefore important in the
transport of carbon dioxide in the blood.
They are also important in the regulating blood ph.(Buffering
the blood to prevent it from becoming too acidic)
Phosphate ions
PO4 3- Anion
Phosphate ions are an important component of biological
molecules such as :
• Nucleotides, which make up nucleic acids like DNA and
RNA
• ATP and ADP
• Phospholipids
• Phosphate is also important in the breakdown of
glucose in respiration.
Chloride ions (Cl-): needed in nerve impulses
and many secretory systems.
When we say
inorganic, it means
the molecules
which does not
hold carbon. For
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