Understanding the Characteristics of Life and Biomolecules
Living Features and Essential Biomolecules
Living Features:
The characteristics of life include: structure, metabolism, growth, adaptation, irritability, reproduction, organization, and homeostasis.
Metabolism:
Metabolism is the sum of all chemical processes in an organism. It is divided into:
- Anabolism: Synthesis or construction of molecules.
- Catabolism: Degradation of molecules.
Reproduction:
Reproduction ensures the continuation of species.
Evolution and Homeostasis:
Evolution is driven by environmental adaptation, while homeostasis maintains internal stability.
Irritability:
Irritability is the ability to react to environmental stimuli. Disruption of homeostasis can trigger reactions.
Molecular Level:
Key components at the molecular level include:
- Inorganic substances: Mineral salts in solution (structural).
- Water.
Salts in Solution:
Salts exist in the form of ions:
- Cations: Positive ions.
- Anions: Negative ions.
Structural Salts:
These salts form structures within the body and have low solubility.
Water:
- The most abundant inorganic constituent of living beings.
- A good solvent for ionic and polar substances.
- Participates in chemical reactions as a proton donor and acceptor.
- Involved in hydrogen bond formation.
- A good thermoregulator.
Functional Groups:
A functional group is the part of a molecule that reacts and is characteristic of each family or set of compounds.
Existing Compounds:
Important biological compounds include:
- Carbohydrates
- Proteins
- Lipids
- Nucleic Acids
Carbohydrates:
Carbohydrates are defined as polyhydroxyaldehydes and polyhydroxyketones.
Characteristics:
- The most abundant and diverse organic compounds in the biosphere.
- Structural parts of plant and animal tissue.
- Serve as a source of energy for all vital cell activities.
Classification:
Carbohydrates are classified into:
- Simple (fast absorption)
- Complex (slower absorption)
Simple Sugars:
Monosaccharides, such as glucose.
Complex Sugars:
- Disaccharides: Sucrose, galactose, fructose.
- Polysaccharides: Starch, cellulose, glycogen.
Role of Carbohydrates:
- Energetic materials.
- Energy storage.
- Involved in specialized functions, such as the composition of genetic material that controls heredity, reproduction, and cellular protein regulation.
- Antibodies and some hormones.
- Structural material in plants (cellulose) and animals (hyaluronic acid, part of the intercellular space).
Existing Compounds:
Important biological compounds include:
- Carbohydrates
- Proteins
- Lipids
- Nucleic Acids
Carbohydrates:
Carbohydrates are defined as polyhydroxyaldehydes and polyhydroxyketones.
Characteristics:
- The most abundant and diverse organic compounds in the biosphere.
- Structural parts of plant and animal tissue.
- Serve as a source of energy for all vital cell activities.
Classification:
Carbohydrates are classified into:
- Simple (fast absorption)
- Complex (slower absorption)
Simple Sugars:
Monosaccharides, such as glucose.
Complex Sugars:
- Disaccharides: Sucrose, galactose, fructose.
- Polysaccharides: Starch, cellulose, glycogen.
Role of Carbohydrates:
- Energetic materials.
- Energy storage.
- Involved in specialized functions, such as the composition of genetic material that controls heredity, reproduction, and cellular protein regulation.
- Antibodies and some hormones.
- Structural material in plants (cellulose) and animals (hyaluronic acid, part of the intercellular space).