NUR11O1 Integrated Human Anatomy and Physiology

Department of Biology
Institute of Arts and Sciences
Far Eastern University
LABORATORY EXERCISE NO. 2
THE CHEMICAL BASIS OF LIFE

I. INTRODUCTION
Different chemical reactions govern all processes in living organisms. These reactions
include conversion of food to energy to run cellular processes and elimination of resulting
waste products. These enzyme-catalyzed metabolic reactions allow organisms to grow and
produce offspring, maintain their structures, and respond to environmental cues.

II. BRIEFLY DESCRIBE A SYNTHESIS REACTION AND A DECOMPOSITION REACTION.

Synthesis reactions are chemical reactions where two elements combine to make a
product. The newly formed product is always a compound, while the reactants can be elements
or compounds.
An example is the burning of charcoal (carbon) in excess oxygen to make carbon dioxide.
C(s)+O2(g)→CO2(g)
Decomposition reactions are chemical reactions where a reactant produces another product,
usually two or more. This is when the bonds in the compound are broken apart to form new
compounds. Usually, these reactions are endothermic, as heat is used to break apart those
chemical bonds.
The one reaction that always comes to my mind when I hear about decomposition reactions is
the thermal decomposition of limestone.
CaCO3(s)Δ−−→CaO(s)+CO2(g)

III. IDENTIFY THE FOUR MAJOR ORGANIC MOLECULES IN LIVING ORGANISMS. ENUMERATE
AT LEAST 2 FUNCTIONS FOR EACH.

Figure 2A._Carbohydrates______
Functions: Carbohydrates are organic compounds used to store energy. They form the cells of an
organism and perform the chemical reactions that facilitate life.

©Biofacultymember2020
NUR11O1 Integrated Human Anatomy and Physiology
Department of Biology
Institute of Arts and Sciences
Far Eastern University
•

Figure 2B. _Lipids__

Functions: Protection of vital organs
To prevent evaporation in plants and animals

\
Figure 2C. _____amino acids________________
Functions: The breakdown of both dietary and tissue proteins yields nitrogen-containing
substrates and carbon skeletons.
Amino acids are imperative for sustaining the health of the human body .

©Biofacultymember2020
NUR11O1 Integrated Human Anatomy and Physiology
Department of Biology
Institute of Arts and Sciences
Far Eastern University

Figure 2D.______ dna nucleotide acid_______________

Functions: Information storage and transfer.

Carry genetic information which is read in cells to make the RNA and proteins by
which living things function. The well-known structure of the DNA double helix allows this
information to be copied and passed on to the next generation.

IV. ASSESSMENT
Answer each item guided by the specific instructions for each question set.
A. True/False
Indicate whether the sentence or statement is true or false.

_true__1. Our liver converts toxic ammonia to a harmless substance called urea through its
enzymes.

_false__2. ATP is the high-energy fuel molecule that the cell needs in order to function.

©Biofacultymember2020
NUR11O1 Integrated Human Anatomy and Physiology
Department of Biology
Institute of Arts and Sciences
Far Eastern University
_true__3. Energy storage is the more common function of carbohydrates.

_false__4. Enzymes are protein catalysts that block the chemical reaction.

_true__5. Concerning the effect of temperature on diffusion, the higher the temperature the
faster the movement.

B. Completion
Complete each sentence or statement.

6. Approximately 60% to 80% of a cell is ___water____________.

7. ___carbon dioxide and water__________ is produced as a waste product of cellular

respiration.

8. __Oxygen____________ is required by all organisms that breathe air.

9. Carbohydrates have two important functions: structural strengthening of the cell and
___energy storage__________.

10. The smallest particle of an element that maintains all of the characteristics of that element is
a(n) _____atoms____________.

11. The area where an electron can be found is referred to as the electron’s
_____orbital____________.

12. Atoms combine chemically with one another to form _______bonds__________.

13. About ________21__________% of the gas in the atmosphere is oxygen.

14. Since the number of protons equals the number of electrons, an atom is electrically ____
Neutral____________.

15. In 1808, John Dalton proposed the theory that all matter consists of atoms. This proposal led
to the development of the __Dalton’s atomic__________ theory.

C. Matching Type

Match each item with the correct statement below.

a. osmosis d. atoms
b. diffusion e. compound
c. ion

©Biofacultymember2020
NUR11O1 Integrated Human Anatomy and Physiology
Department of Biology
Institute of Arts and Sciences
Far Eastern University

__E.__ 16. the combination of the atoms of two or more elements

__A.__ 17. movement of water across a semipermeable membrane from an area of high
concentration to an area of low concentration

__A.__ 18. movement of molecules across a semipermeable membrane from an area of high
concentration to an area of low concentration

__C.__ 19. charged atoms

__D.__ 20. smallest particles of an element

Match each item with the correct statement below.

a. covalent bond d. carbon
b. ionic bond e. water
c. acid

__D._ 21. element found in all living matter

__E._ 22. the most abundant substance in living cells

__B._ 23. bond in which one atom gains electrons while another atom loses electrons

__A._ 24. bond in which atoms share electrons to fill their outermost shells

__C._ 25. substance that dissociates and forms an excess of H + ions

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