THE CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF THE CELL

Glucose Starch Lipids Proteins PLANT CELLANIMAL CELL

Organic Vs Inorganic Organic substances are any substances that contain a carbon atom in their make up. e.g. a Glucose molecule C 6 H 12 O 6

CELL COMPOSITION The cells is made up of five major groups of compounds (ORGANIC) 1.Lipids (fats)Lipids (fats) 2.ProteinsProteins 3.CarbohydratesCarbohydrates 4.Nucleic acid (INORGANIC)Nucleic acid 5.VitaminsVitamins 6.MineralsMinerals Each type of compound plays a special role in cell health and survival

Lipids Fats: If solid at room temp Oils: If liquid at room temp There are Four types of lipids Saturated (single bonded carbon atoms, difficult to separate, can be heated to high temps e.g. cooking oils) Saturated Unsaturated (double bonded carbon atoms, easily broken down) Unsaturated Polyunsaturated (many double bonded carbon atoms, easily broken down) Polyunsaturated Phospholipids One end of the fatty acid is replaced by phosphate group Phospholipids The phosphate head is Hydrophilic (water loving: dissolves into water) Lipid end is Hydrophobic (water hating: resists dissolving into water) major part of the cell membrane MENU

LIPIDS Polyunsaturated BACK

PHOSPHOLIPIDS BACK

PROTEINS 2 Main types: Transport and StructuralTransportStructural Proteins are made up of Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen, Nitrogen and often Sulphur Proteins are created from combinations of amino acids (20 types of amino acids) The body produces most amino acids, however 8 must be included into the diet or serious protein deficiencies can occur MENU

PROTEIN TYPES TRANSPORT PROTEINS Membrane proteins the control the movement of substances across membranes Protein channels act as gates, opening and closing allowing movement of substances in and out BACK

PROTEIN TYPES STRUCTURAL PROTEINS Major role is to act as a connective agent Link membranes, cytoplasm and nucleus allowing for communication Keratin (insoluble in water): found in hairs, feathers, nails, etc Collagen (most abundant substance in vertebrates): Humans largely held together by collagen, bones, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, connective tissue, skin BACK

VITAMINS Essential for metabolic processes and converting food into energy (B,C) Some are water soluble (stored in water) therefore must be eaten everyday or they are urinated out of the body Some stored in fatty tissues (A,D,E,K) These vitamins can accumulate and become dangerous Inorganic MENU See page 37 of text for clearer image

Minerals Main function is to provide strength Inorganic Incorporated into many structures of the body including teeth, bones, blood, etc Over 20 are required MENU

Carbohydrates Can be found in various forms parts of the cell including the Chloroplasts, Mitochondria, cytoplasm and cell wall Functions include -Energy storage - Strengthening of the cell - Provision of an exterior cover MENU

Nucleic acid Organic compound Examples include RNA and DNA Can be found in the Nucleus, Mitochondria, Ribosome and cytoplasm Function is to store hereditary information and to pass instruction to other organelles MENU