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Chemicals in the
body
Chapter 2
Elements
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Our bodies are a form of matter
Matter is made of elements
Therefore our body is made of elements
4 main elements make up the majority of
the body (96%)
 Oxygen (65%)
 Carbon (18.5%)
 Hydrogen (9.5%)
 Nitrogen (3.2%)
Elements
 These four are the fundamental
elements in most organic and some
inorganic compounds
 Explains why they are so common
 However, there are many other
elements involved in the body
 Each has their own unique function
that they serve and problems that
will occur if they are not present
Sodium
 Roles
 Nerve impulses
 Fluid balance
 Acid-base
 Deficiency
 dehydration
Zinc
 Roles
 maintenance of immune system
 Co-factor for enzymes (metabolism of
carbohydrates)
 Smell and Taste
 Deficiency
 Impaired taste and smell
 Increased infections
Copper
 Roles
 Red blood cell (hemoglobin)
production
 Deficiency?
Chlorine
 Roles
 Acid-base balance
 Fluid balance
 Deficiency
 Alkolosis
 Dehydration
 Similar roles to what other element?
Iodine
 Roles
 Normal metabolism-production of
thyroid hormones
 Deficiency
 Goiter
 Hypothyroidism
Iron
 Roles
 Red blood cell production (part of
protein hemoglobin)
 Deficiency
 Anemia (most common deficiency
world-wide)
 Lack energy
 Shortness of breath
 Why are women at a higher risk for
deficiency?
Chromium
 Roles
 Co-factors for enzymes to catabolize
fats
 Insulin metabolism
 Synthesis of cholesterol
 Deficiency
 Impaired HDL
 Inability to stabilize sugar levels in
blood
Calcium
 Roles
 Bones
 Muscle contraction
 Nerve impulses in the brain
 Deficiency
 Osteoporosis
 Cramps
 Muscle spasm
Potassium
 Roles
 Help transfer materials in and out of
cells
 Nerve impulses
 Deficiency
 Muscle cramping
 Inability to conduct nerve impulses
Vitamin B6
 Roles
 Amino acid metabolism
 Antibody formation
 Deficiency?
Vitamin C
 Roles
 Improves iron absorption
 Antioxidant
 Deficiency
 scurvy
1. An individual experiences
shortness of breath due to lack of
oxygen transported to tissues.
2. An individual experiences
irregularity in metabolic processes
because enzymes are not activated.
3. An individual experiences
muscle cramping along with a
water imbalance. Also, the ability
to conduct nerve impulses is being
hindered.
4. An individual experiences
weak bones.
5. An individual experience
problems with metabolism due to
lack of functionality among thyroid
hormones.
6. An individual experiences a
lack of cellular energy.
7. An individual experiences
dizziness and a headache due to
blood alkalosis
Bonding and Reactions
 One of the primary functions of all
elements in the body is to react and
bond to create compounds
 2 main types of reactions
 Synthesis (A + B -> AB)
 Decomposition (AB -> A + B)
Examples of Reactions
Exchange Reaction
 The Synth. and Decomp. reactions
will often combine to create an
Exchange Reaction.
 AB + C -> AC + B
 AB + CD -> AD + CB
Biochemistry: Compounds
 All chemicals in the body fall into
two categories
 Inorganic Compounds
 Organic Compounds
 Both categories are important, just
in different ways
Inorganic Compounds:
Water
 Most abundant inorganic compound in
the body
 Characteristics that make it valuable
 High Heat Capacity
 Prevents sudden body temp changes
 It’s a great solvent
 Can help transport substances
 Chemical reactivity
 Hydrolysis reactions – break down food
 Cushioning (ex. Brain)
Inorganic Compounds:
Salts and Acids & Bases
 Salts
 Serve as electrolytes
 Nerve impulses, muscle contraction,
transport substances
 Acids and Bases
 Also serve as electrolytes
 Play huge role in reactions
 Proton donors or accepters
 Maintain body pH
Organic Compounds:
Carbohydrates