Biomolecules

Mind Map:

__UNIVERSAL STATEMENTS__ **ENERGY, MATTER & ORGANISATION -** BIOMOLECULES //** Living systems are complex and highly organized, and they require matter and energy to maintain this organization. **//
 * **Energy** is stored in the organization of matter:
 * The human body stores energy in fats
 * Living organisms use matter and energy to build and maintain body structures:
 * //Mitochondrion generates ATP from glucose (but does not store energy)//
 * //Calcium: builds bones (milk contains calcium that is used by mammals to build bones)//
 * //Protein: builds muscle (milk contains protein too)//
 * Living organisms obtain and process matter and energy:
 * The structure of a molecule always dictates its function:
 * //Biochemistry -- structure of biomolecules affects their functions (carbohydrates and fats made of of C, H and O but have different functions due to their different structures)//
 * The structure and function of biological living systems obeys the laws of thermodynamics: e.g.
 * Communities of organisms depend on the cycling of matter and the flow of energy
 * //Energy can be lost but not destroyed --> lost as heat energy to surroundings//
 * //Energy can change from one form to another//
 * //Energy can flow from one organism/system to another --> e.g. eating beef from cow converts to muscle for our bodies//
 * The constant flow of energy and cycling of matter in the biosphere leads to a balanced or steady state:
 * //water cycle: cycle no longer cycle, dirsuption, locked up as pollutants//
 * //carbon cycle: not enough plants to take in CO2 trapped in atmosphere//
 * //nitrogen cycle//

- Carbon has a valency of 4, so it has 4 free electrons to bond with 4 other atoms, and can form double covalent bonds (e.g. fats), hence macromolecules are formed, each with different properties and functions - Fats: very hard to break down due to the ability of carbon to form double covalent bonds --> good energy storage - Carbon has the ability to bond with itself --> - backbone of C atoms
 * Why is the carbon molecule suitable for life as we know it?**

- Abnormal behaviour at 4 degrees Celsius --> density decreases --> ice floats - Other properties
 * Why is the chemistry of water suitable for life**?

What is carbohydrate? Molecular structure? What forms does it take? Functions?