Cellular Components: Bioelements, Organic & Inorganic
Protoplasmic Components: When a substance has a single type of atom, that substance is an element. Substances are made up of different atom unions, i.e., they are mostly chemical compounds. Almost fifty elements have been found in protoplasm. Among the elements that are part of the living world, there is an almost complete dominance of a few, known as bioelements. Elements in very small amounts that are essential for living things are called trace elements. Bioelements are more suitable for life because they have low atomic weight, and their joined compounds are generally very soluble in water.
Organic Compounds: Carbohydrates
According to the number of molecules, carbohydrates are designated by various names:
- Monosaccharides: These are simple carbohydrates, are sweet, and are soluble in water. The most common and abundant monosaccharide in living organisms is glucose.
- Disaccharides: These are carbohydrates derived from the union of two monosaccharides.
- Polysaccharides: These are formed by the union of more than two monosaccharide molecules. They are not soluble in water. An example is starch.
Inorganic Constituents
Water: Water is the most abundant mineral component of inorganic living matter. In humans, it represents 65% of body weight. Water is essential for active life.
Mineral Salts: Common salt is abundant in the blood. Salts are separated into their component atoms but remain positively or negatively charged. For this reason, these free components with an electronic charge are called ions.
Protoplasmic Components: When a substance has a single type of atom, that substance is an element. Substances are made up of different atom unions, i.e., they are mostly chemical compounds. Almost fifty elements have been found in protoplasm. Among the elements that are part of the living world, there is an almost complete dominance of a few, known as bioelements. Elements in very small amounts that are essential for living things are called trace elements. Bioelements are more suitable for life because they have low atomic weight, and their joined compounds are generally very soluble in water.
Organic Compounds: Carbohydrates
According to the number of molecules, carbohydrates are designated by various names:
- Monosaccharides: These are simple carbohydrates, are sweet, and are soluble in water. The most common and abundant monosaccharide in living organisms is glucose.
- Disaccharides: These are carbohydrates derived from the union of two monosaccharides.
- Polysaccharides: These are formed by the union of more than two monosaccharide molecules. They are not soluble in water. An example is starch.
Inorganic Constituents
Water: Water is the most abundant mineral component of inorganic living matter. In humans, it represents 65% of body weight. Water is essential for active life.
Mineral Salts: Common salt is abundant in the blood. Salts are separated into their component atoms but remain positively or negatively charged. For this reason, these free components with an electronic charge are called ions.