Molecules for life

• Organic molecules


  Made up of C, H, and sometimes other elements like N and P
• Components of cells


  • Proteins
  • Carbohydrates
  • Lipids
  • Nucleic acids
  • Vitamins
• Organic


  Molecules made up of C, H, and sometimes other elements
• Inorganic


  Does not usually contain C
• Micro-nutrient


  Element required in small quantities
• Macro-nutrient


  Element required in large quantities
• Inorganic compounds


  • Water
  • Mineral salts
• Organic compounds(in nucleus of cell)


  • Carbohydrates
  • Lipids(fats and oils)
  • Enzymes (proteins)
  • Vitamins
  • Nucleic acids
• Water


  Made up of 2 hydrogen atoms joined to 1 oxygen atom
• 70-95% of cells are made up of water
• Water


  • Universal solvent
  • Transportation medium
  • Medium for chemical reactions
  • Responsible for turgidity in plants
  • Removes waste products
• Mineral salts


  Mineral elements in salt form, e.g. sodium chloride or table
• Macro-nutrients


  Essential elements required by organisms in large quantities
• Micro-nutrients


  Essential elements required by organisms in small quantities
• Plants obtain minerals


  1. From the soil

  2. From fertilisers
• Animals obtain minerals


  From the food they consume