...MOLECULES OF LIFE 90% of the human body is composed of just four elements. They are carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen. These elements combine to larger units called molecules. There are two types of molecules in our bodies; organic and inorganic. INORGANIC MOLECULES are not made of carbon atoms. 1. SALTS are found in body fluids. They are needed for muscle contraction and nerve conduction. 2. WATER The body is about 70% water. All of our body’s chemical reactions require it. It keeps the body from overheating It also prevents drastic changes in temperature. Last spring, a baby finch collapsed with exhaustion on my patio. Since it was exhausted, it probably wasn’t good at finding food and water yet. That means it was dehydrated and hungry. I knew to get an eyedropper and give it water with sugar in it because those are the two main things it needs right away. We discussed water, now lets get to sugars. ORGANIC MOLECULES are made of carbon, which is what our body is mostly made of. The three main types of organic molecules in our body are carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins. 1. CARBOHYDRATES are molecules that store energy a short time. a) SIMPLE CARBOHYDRATES known as sugars, such as those found in candy. They are used for a quick source of energy, and they are burned off fast. The main sugar form is glucose. b) STARCH is a storage form of glucose in plants, especially flour and potatoes. When we eat breads, potatoes, and cakes, we convert it to glucose. These don’t...
Words: 1563 - Pages: 7
...g A New Molecule of Life Life as we know it is far more complex than one can imagine. The smallest molecule in human body can play a large role in determining the genetic outcome or the overall well being of a person. In Peter Nielsen’s “Designing a New Molecule of Life”, he speaks of a molecule that hopefully one day will create a scientific and medical breakthrough. In this essay you will read a summary of Peter Nielsen’s article and the research he has done with this molecule. Peter Nielson, along with many other scientists, have spent years creating and experimenting with a synthetic molecule called peptide nucleic acid (PNA). PNA is an artificial polymer that has many similarities to deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA). It has the same storing features as DNA and RNA while being built on a protein based backbone therefore making it sturdier and simpler than the sugar phosphate-backbone. The molecule was created in hopes of having an immediate affect by pursuing a drug that would target DNA’s composing specific genes, to either enhance or block the gene’s expression. This new drug would be in efforts to interfere with the production of disease producing proteins. Although this molecule has produced highly anticipated medical research, it has also lead to speculations of being the origins of life. In his years of research, Peter Nielsen and his colleagues wanted to achieve the ability of PNA recognizing double-stranded or duplex DNA having specific...
Words: 521 - Pages: 3
...LAP’recyous Bradley MS. Hester English ll 01-02-2016 Racism Racism has been a major problem in society from the 1950’s until this day. Racism is discrimination directed against someone of a different race based on the beliefs that one’s own race is superior. Racism is a major issue that affected millions of people, and still effects many people. These beliefs are a main cause in riots, boycotts, and other outrages. Many different groups existed during the Reconstruction era, but the groups disagreed on what was needed to move America forward. Southern white conservatives did not want blacks to own property, have political power, or even have the opportunity to vote in elections. The white Southerners so strongly believed that whites were superior that they worked hard to make sure legal restrictions were in place to prevent the blacks from gaining any type of equality or power. The freed slaves merely wanted the opportunity to continue the “family-based communal work methods” as opposed to having to accept the individual piecework structure. In addition, the former slaves wanted to be able to continue to live on the land their ancestors had farmed. The contract labor system was implemented in 1866 under the supervision of the Freedmen’s Bureau and provided fixed wages for workers for one year, with part of the pay held back until the crops were harvested. In Carl Schurz’s Report on Conditions in the South (1865), it stated that the freedmen were...
Words: 708 - Pages: 3
...Peter Nielsen: Designing A New Molecule of Life Life as we know it is far more complex than one can imagine. The smallest molecule in the human body can play a large role in determining the genetic outcome or the overall well being of a person. In Peter Nielsen’s “Designing a New Molecule of Life”, he speaks of a molecule that hopefully one day will create a scientific and medical breakthrough. In this essay you will read a summary of Peter Nielsen’s article and the research he has done with this molecule. Peter Nielson, along with many other scientists, have spent years creating and experimenting with a synthetic molecule called peptide nucleic acid (PNA). PNA is an artificial polymer that has many similarities to deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA). It has the same storing features as DNA and RNA while being built on a protein based backbone therefore making it sturdier and simpler than the sugar phosphate-backbone. The molecule was created in hopes of having an immediate affect by pursuing a drug that would target DNA’s composing specific genes, to either enhance or block the gene’s expression. This new drug would be in efforts to interfere with the production of disease producing proteins. Although this molecule has produced highly anticipated medical research, it has also lead to speculations of being the origins of life. In his years of research, Peter Nielsen and his colleagues wanted to achieve the ability of PNA recognizing double-stranded...
Words: 589 - Pages: 3
...1. • Identify the relationship between the conditions on early Earth and the origin of organic molecules: - Conditions of early Earth: _ Massive oceans existed _ Only small landmasses above the surface of the water _ No ozone layer _ Large amounts of radiation reached the Earth _ No free oxygen in the air _ Large amounts of volcanic activity; heat, ash, dust and gases into atmosphere _ Violent electric storms common _ Atmosphere contained some water vapour (H2O), hydrogen (H2), hydrogen cyanide (HCN), a lot of carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen (N2), possibly ammonia (NH3) and methane (CH4). - The chemicals of life are contained within the following basic organic compounds: water, carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. - These compounds are made up of hydrogen (H), oxygen (O), carbon (C), nitrogen (N) and some other common elements. - As you can see, the elements needed to create the basic organic compounds were already present in the atmosphere; i.e., H, O, C and N were already there. - The lack of an ozone layer, the frequent violent electric storms, and the volcanic activity of early Earth could have provided the energy for molecules to be formed. • Discuss the implications of the existence of organic molecules in the cosmos for the origin of life on Earth: - For life to have originated, the following events need to have happened: _ The required chemicals need to have been formed _ These chemicals need to have come together in a self-replicating...
Words: 1710 - Pages: 7
...order for living organisms to survive in those planets, there needs to be sources of water to sustain life on those planets. If humans can find water on a different planet, then they could make the claim that life could already be on these planets, or that life can be sustained on these planets. My evidence is that in order for life to be sustained on a planet, this planet must contain the six most common elements needed for life, known as SPONCH. SPONCH stands for Sulfur, Phospherous, Oxygen, Nitrogen, Carbon, and Hydrogen. Hydrogen as well as Oxygen are both required in order for water molecules to be formed, which means that these six elements should be found and attainable on these planets in order for them to be very sustainable for any forms of life to be able to actually live on...
Words: 1531 - Pages: 7
...Biological Molecules End of this chapter the student will learn about: a) What is the Functional groups and types. b) Macromolecules a) The build up of covalent bond by condensation or dehydration. b) The brake up of covalent bond by hydrolysis c) The chemical elements of life: a review Functional groups contribute to the molecular diversity of life • The components of organic molecules that are most commonly involved in chemical reactions are known as functional groups. • Functional groups are attachments that replace one or more hydrogen atoms to the carbon skeleton of the hydrocarbon. • Each functional groups behaves consistently from one organic molecule to another. • The number and arrangement of functional groups help give each molecule its unique properties. • The basic structure of testosterone (male hormone) and estradiol (female hormone) is identical. • Both are steroids with four fused carbon rings, but they differ in the functional groups attached to the rings. • These then interact with different targets in the body. Fig. 4.8 • There are six functional groups that are most important to the chemistry of life: hydroxyl, carbonyl, carboxyl, amino, sulfhydryl, and phosphate groups. • All are hydrophilic and increase solubility of organic compounds in water. Functional groups are specific groups of atoms within molecules that are responsible for the characteristic chemical reactions of those molecules. • Hydroxyl...
Words: 844 - Pages: 4
...Cells Biology- the study of life and living organisms Living- uses energy, maintains itself, capability to reproduce, and development/growth; also part of a population that evolve (each generation differs from the ones before and after) Cells- basic unit of life Prokaryotic- lacking nucleus Bacteria “archaea” Eukaryotic- nucleus Plants Animals Fungi Eukaryotic Nucleus- surrounded by a double membrane; contains DNA Linear chromosomes Cytoplasm contains everything outside of the nucleus Cytoskeleton crisscrosses the cell- holds shape and allows for cell movement Cytoplasm contains organelles- each plays a role in the functioning of the cell Organelles are surrounded by membranes Ribosomes- assemble proteins, only organelle not surrounded by membrane; some are suspended in cytoplasm and some are attached to Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum- assembles proteins for the cell membrane or outside of the cell Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum- assembles membranes Golgi Apparatus- “post office of the cell” Lysosomes- “garbage disposal of the cell” eats organic waste/ damaged organelles; some used to destroy bacteria Vacuoles- sacs surrounded by membrane used to store/expel nutrients or other materials such as pigments and hormones. Mitochondria- organelles that break down molecules to obtain energy for the cell Chloroplasts- plant cell structure that captures energy from sunlight to build molecules Cell membrane- defines cell’s...
Words: 977 - Pages: 4
...Biology 10 Study Guide #1 1. List some of the characteristics that distinguish living from non-living things. 2. Outline the basic steps of inquiry included in the scientific method. 3. What is the difference between a hypothesis, a theory and an opinion? 4. What is homeostasis? 5. Be able to summarize the basic idea represented by each of the 10 majors themes that form the cornerstones for understanding Biology. Be able to provide an example for each of these. The Chemistry of Life: 1. If you were probing for life on a distant planet, what could you look for to determine whether it was even possible for life to exist, or to have existed, there. Why is each of things you’ve identified important to life. 2. Review the definition of an atom. What is meant by the idea that it is “the smallest unit of a pure substance that retains properties of that substance”? 3. Understand the nature and arrangement of the subatomic structure of atoms. Where are the subatomic particles found? 4. Why are we concerned about whether atoms are reactive or not? 5. What determines whether a particular element (type of atom) is reactive? 6. Understand the difference between inert elements and those that are reactive and capable of forming chemical bonds. What is the significance of the valance shell of electrons? 7. Why do atoms seek to form bonds with other atoms? How does this correlate with their stability? 8. Understand the nature of...
Words: 662 - Pages: 3
...Biology The study of life Characteristics of Life #1 Made of 1 or more cells: -cells are the smallest units of life -ex: bacteria (1 cell) -ex: humans (trillions of cells) Characteristics of Life #2 Reproduction: -reproduce and pass on genetic material to next generation Characteristics of Life #3 Maintain homeostasis (balance): -homeostasis: balance with organism -ex: regulating body temerature Characteristics of Life #4 Require energy: -cells require energy to carry out their functions & life processes Characteristics of Life #5 Adjustment to Environment: -ability to detect and respond to stimuli -ex: plants growing towards light Characteristics of Life #6 Adaptation and Evolution: -occurs at the POPULATION level -adaptation: traits that increase the chance for survival and reproduction -evoltion: the change in species over time Water structure 2 Hydrogen (H) and 1 Oxygen (O) (H2O) Characteristics of water -water is POLAR -opposite ends of a molecule have opposite charges - H+, O- Polarity and Hydrogen bonds -H+ attracts to O- and forms a hydrogen bond between water molecules -polarity and H-bonding are the reason why water has all of its special characteristics that support life! Cohesion -same type of molecules sticking together (water to water) -ex: water molecules forming a lake Adhesion -two different molecules sticking together (water to...
Words: 618 - Pages: 3
...discuss the other molecules and entities that are met along the way at each of the five main stages. Furthermore, it will explain the effects on molecules and the writer. Next, it will conclude the journey by using word formulas for photosynthesis and respiration. Lastly, it will summarize what happens to the writer at the end of the five stage journey. Environmental scientists recognize that the fundamental source of energy for most life on earth is the sun. Through photosynthesis, plants capture the light and convert it into chemical potential energy. Plants then store the potential energy in the form of biomass. Only after an animal eats the plant is the potential energy from the sunlight released as kinetic energy for movement and growth. Photosynthesis is the chemical process by which green plants convert sunlight into sugar. In essence, this process transforms a wave of light energy into chemical potential energy, which the plant then stores in the molecular bonds of sugar molecules. The following steps will describe a journey through the photosynthesis process that occurs each time the sun’s light reaches the leaves of a plant: 1. Inside the chloroplast (a special organelle within a plant cell), a molecule of chlorophyll absorbs the light. The chlorophyll compound also gives the plant its green color. 2. A sequence of chemical reactions transfers the sun’s light energy into the chemical bonds that hold together special, energy-carrying molecules (the most common...
Words: 1054 - Pages: 5
...documents of new technology computer-aided microscopic rare gene molecules. The team of criminologists will consider the legal or not legal aspects of the doctor’s request for a patent, along with the viability of current transplant procedures. The scenario states the doctor has invented a computer – aided organism as key to bridge the new cells to human organs in the host receiver. This is a new concept of using microscopic rare gene molecules to make any human organ viable for everyone without the side effects of rejection, or infections. This research document is the collective, innovative thoughts and opinions of four people team. Patent Requirements The filing of medical patent begins with two important points. The first point begins as the criminologists will determine the usability of the new technology. The computer – aided microscopic rare gene molecules are the key to bridge genetically designed new cells to the human organs within the host receiver. This concept would make the genetically engineered cells for the damaged organ acceptable to the host receiver. The viable idea is to inject the microscopic rare gene molecules straight into the damaged organ along with the anti-infection drugs. The second important point is the innovative studies to confirm the computer- aided microscopic rare gene molecules cure the damaged organ with no side effects or rejections. The computer- aided microscopic rare gene molecules have the ability to split into genetically engineered active...
Words: 2071 - Pages: 9
...is a polymer of glucose. | C. | Starch is formed by the condensation of monomers. | D. | The properties of starch are very similar to those of cellulose. | E. | Starch may be digested by people. | | Incorrect See Concept 2.3: Carbohydrates Consist of Sugar Molecules | Points Earned: | 0/1 | Correct Answer: | D | Your Response: | E | 2. | Which of the following biological molecules are linked by covalent bonds formed by the removal of the elements of water from the reactants (a kind of condensation reaction)? | | A. | Oils | B. | Fats | C. | Proteins | D. | Starch | E. | All of the above | | Correct See Concept 2.2: Atoms Interact and Form Molecules | Points Earned: | 1/1 | Correct Answer: | E | Your Response: | E | 3. | Table salt, NaCl, is neutral. When dissolved in water, NaCl | | A. | does not separates, but interacts with water molecules. | B. | separates to form Na– and Cl+ molecules. | C. | separates to form Na+ and Cl– ions that interact with water molecules. | D. | separates to form Na+ and Cl– ions that do not interact with water molecules. | E. | remains as NaCl (does not dissociate). | | Correct See Concept 2.2: Atoms Interact and Form Molecules | Points Earned: | 1/1 | Correct Answer: | C | Your Response: | C | 4. | A reaction that has a negative ΔG | | A. | is always paired with a reaction with a positive ΔG. | B. | is spontaneous. | C. | is endergonic. | D. | cannot be used to drive a reaction...
Words: 1128 - Pages: 5
...Bio 156 – Midterm Study Guide Lesson One I. Characteristics of Life • List four main characteristics of all living things II. Diversity and Organizing Life • Describe three ways of classifying, or ordering, life on earth. • Given a random ordering of the levels of organization of life, rearrange them into the proper sequence. • Describe the concept "an organism is more than the sum of its parts." • List the six kingdoms of life. • By definition, distinguish between a population, a community, and an ecosystem. • Distinguish between a producer, a consumer and a decomposer. III. Origins of Diversity- Evolution of Life • Define the term "biodiversity. • Define the term "evolution." • Describe how diversity of life can arise by the operation of natural selection. IV. The Nature of Biological Inquiry – Scientific Method • Distinguish between a hypothesis and a prediction • Distinguish between inductive and deductive logic • What is meant by the phrase "potentially falsifiable hypothesis"? • Define the term "control group" and tell the value of a control group in an experiment • Define the term "theory" and tell at what point in a study a hypothesis becomes a theory • Design an experiment to test a given hypothesis, using the procedure and terminology of the scientific method. Try the problem:...
Words: 3446 - Pages: 14
...of magma and vaporized rock, spitting up nothing more than magma volcanoes. This infant planet is very different from the one we know today. Its atmosphere is comprised of deadly gasses and probably had a sky the color of a pinkish-orange. Its oceans containing large quantities of dissolved iron were most likely a kind of brown color. Life on early Earth began with very little amounts of oxygen compared to the quantities we have today, it was comprised of primitive elements and very slowly evolved into the Earth we know today. Had you been on Earth all that time ago, when it was just beginning to evolve, you would have died with just a few deep breaths! Earth’s early atmosphere contained little or no oxygen. It was primarily comprised of carbon dioxide, water vapor, and nitrogen, with smaller amounts of carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide, and hydrogen cyanide. Over time a controversial question emerged, could organic molecules assemble under the conditions on early Earth? In 1953, biochemists Stanley L. Miller and Harold C. Urey conducted an experiment to find these answers; they tested for what kind of environment would be needed to allow life to begin. To start they used water, methane, ammonia and hydrogen, component believed to represent major elements in early Earth’s atmosphere. These chemicals were all sealed and circulated inside a sterile array of glass tubes connected together in a loop, with one sterile flask with, and another flask containing electrodes. The liquid...
Words: 1573 - Pages: 7
