Essential Biology 03.

1: Chemical Elements and Water

1. What are the four most commonly occurring elements in living things?

Nitrogen, Oxygen, Carbon and Hydrogen

2. State some functions of each of these elements in living things:

a. Iron Symbol: Fe Ion: +2

Function(s): Is an important micronutrient in living things. In animals, it is the oxygen-

binding component of hemoglobin. And in plants, there are used to make chlorophyll and
takes part in photosynthesis.

a. Sulphur Symbol: S Ion: -2

Function(s): It is also a reactant for chemosynthetic bacteria and found in deep sea vents.

b. Calcium Symbol: Ca Ion: +2

Function(s): Is used in the structure of bones and teeth in animals, as well as in blood
clotting. Calcium is used in synaptic transmission.

c. Phosphorous Symbol: P Ion: -3

Function(s): is the formation of the phospholipid bilayer.

d. Sodium Symbol: Na Ion: +1

Function(s): Sodium is essential in generating an acting potential for nerves impulse.

e. Potassium Symbol: K Ion: 4

Function(s): controls the nerve impulse and has a strong influence in osmosis. Potassium is a
main caution in cell cytoplasm.

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Essential Biology 03.1: Chemical Elements and Water

3. In the space below, draw three water molecules attracted to one another by hydrogen
bonding. Include labels to show the polarity of the molecules.
Annotate: How does H-bonding work?
H H H
H

O O

H O H

6. Water has many properties which are essential for life. Complete the table below.

Explanation Significance to living things

Water has a high specific heat capacity Most organisms are adapted to a
Thermal Properties
and takes a lot of energy for the narrow range of conditions. The

temperature to change, and due to the slow heating and cooling of water

many Hydrogen bond. are ideal for these organisms.

Single hydrogen bond is not strong and Capacity action will move up xylem

Cohesion causes the molecules stick to each other. against gravity.

Water will also stick to other surfaces.

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Essential Biology 03.1: Chemical Elements and Water

Solvent Properties

(Include uses as a coolant, medium for metabolic reactions, transport medium)

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