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Chapter 1
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Element – a substance that cannot be broken
down into simpler substances – smallest unit of
an element is an atom
Compound – two or more elements that are
chemically combined – smallest unit is called a
molecule
Water – most chemical reactions in cells would
not take place without water
Inorganic compounds – does not contain carbon
Organic compounds - contain the element
carbon – carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleic
acids
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Two-thirds of your body’s mass is water.
67% has water inside cells and rest surrounds
cells.
Water helps with homeostasis.
H2O – one hydrogen and two oxygen
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Made of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen – has
LOTS of energy
Energy source for the cell and make up some
cell parts (cell wall)
C6H12O6 - sugar
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Energy rich organic compound – fats, oils and
waxes
Cells store energy in them
Source of energy for the cell – make up the
cell membrane
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Large organic molecules made up of C, H, O,
Nitrogen, and sometimes Sulfur
Made up of smaller molecules called amino
acids
Most of the structures in a cell are made of
proteins – proteins called enzymes help
chemical reactions in a cell take place
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Very long organic molecules made of carbon,
oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen, and phosphorus.
Contain the instructions that cells need to
carry out the functions of life
DNA – genetic material that carries
information and passed from parent to
offspring.
RNA – helps in the formation of proteins