CHAPTER 4: CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF THE CELL

Understanding the chemical composition of the cell

A student is able to: 1. State the elements in the cell 2. List the chemical compounds in the cell 3. Explain the importance of organic compounds and 4. Explain the importance of water in the cell

combine to form

Have carbon

No carbon

Category Major elements

Elements 1. Hydrogen, H 2. Carbon, C 3. Nitrogen, N 4. Oxygen, O

Trace elements

1. Sodium, Na 2. Magnesium, Mg 3. Phosphorus, P 4. Sulphur, S 5. Chlorine, Cl 6. Potassium, K 7. Calcium, Ca

Ultratrace elements

1. Iron (Ferum, Fe)

Organic compounds
1. Carbohydrates

2. Lipids

3. Proteins

4. Nucleic acid

Carbohydrates
Contain C, H, and O A primary source of energy Examples: sugars, starch, glycogen, cellulose

The importance of carbohydrates in the cell

1. 2. 3. 4. As a main source of energy Build cell walls (cellulose)in plants Form exoskeleton of insects (chitin) As energy store in animal cells (in the form of glycogen) and plant cells (in the form of starch)

Lipids
Contain C, H, and O Examples : fats, oil, waxes, phospholipids and steroids

The importance of lipids in the cell

1. Form phospholipid bilayer in plasma membrane 2. As heat insulator and protects organs 3. Stored as adipose tissues in animals, oils or fats in seeds 4. Solvent for vitamin A, D, E, and K 5. Wax prevent water loss in plants and infection by pathogens. 6. Synthesise steroid hormones

Protein
Made up of the C, H, O and N elements, most protein also contain S and P. 15% of protoplasm is made up of protein.

The importance of proteins in the cell

1. 2. 3. 4. Produce new cells for growth Form connective tissues (tendons, ligaments) Form protein molecules in membrane Synthesise enzymes, hormones, antibodies, haemoglobin

Nucleic acids
Nucleotide is a building block of nucleic acids. The structure of a nucleotide Two types of nucleic acid:
a. deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)-double helix b. ribonucleic acid (RNA)- single strand

DNA

RNA

The importance of nucleic acid in the cell

1. 2. 3. 4.

Carry genetic information Determine traits inherited Direct protein synthesise Control all cell activities

Inorganic compound
Inorganic compounds are compounds that generally do not contain carbon. Water is the most important inorganic chemical compound in living organism 70-95% of the weight of the cell is made up of water Why water is important for life? What are the importance of water in the cell?

Importance of water in the cell

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. As a solvent of life Maintaining osmotic balance and turgidity Medium for biochemical reaction Helps in lubrication Provides moisture Transport medium Maintaining body temperature

1. As a solvent of life
Water is the universal solvent of many biological molecules because of the polarity its molecules

2. Maintaining osmotic balance and turgidity

Water maintains the osmotic balance between blood and interstitial fluid In plants, the cell sap in the vacuole contain water. The cell becomes turgid and this turgidity provides support to plants.

3. Medium for biochemical reaction

Most biochemical reactions that take place in the cell only can occur when there is water. For example:
Water is used in many digestive reactions such as the breaking down of proteins, lipids and sugar in the food that we eat

4. Helps in lubrication
Mucus assists the movement of food substances in the intestinal tract. Synovial fluid lubricates the joint to ease the movements at the joints.

5. Provides moisture
Water provides moisture to the respiratory surface (alveolus) This enables respiratory gases to dissolve in them before diffuse across the respiratory surface can occur.

6. Transport medium
Transport sugar, amino acids and respiratory gases. Remove waste products from body such urea through urine and sweat.

7. Maintaining body temperature

Keep relatively constant body temperature