Biology Chapter on Living Things and Elements

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Questions and Answers

Which element is most abundantly represented in living matter?

Nitrogen

Carbon (correct)

Hydrogen

Oxygen

What is the primary function of Nitrogen in living organisms?

Required for energy production

Part of proteins and nucleic acids (correct)

Component of carbohydrates

Source of oxygen in respiration

What describes the formation of covalent bonds?

Sharing of electrons between atoms (correct)

Combination of elements in fixed ratios

Transfer of electrons from one atom to another

Attraction between opposite charges

Which element is least represented in non-living matter?

Carbon Signup and view all the answers

What role do Oxygen and Hydrogen play in living organisms?

Integral to water and other compounds Signup and view all the answers

Which harmful element is known for its toxic effects on humans?

Mercury Signup and view all the answers

How does carbon achieve stability in its atomic structure?

By sharing electrons Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is a characteristic of ionic bonds?

Hold atoms together by opposite charges Signup and view all the answers

What characteristics are typically associated with living things?

Reproduction and locomotion Signup and view all the answers

Which group of elements are primarily considered biogenic elements in living organisms?

Carbon, Oxygen, Hydrogen, Nitrogen Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical role of microbiogenic elements in living organisms?

Catalyzing biochemical reactions Signup and view all the answers

What differentiates trace elements from macrobiogenic elements in living matter?

Trace elements are present in smaller quantities Signup and view all the answers

How are elements in living matter commonly classified?

Macrobiogenic, microbiogenic, and trace elements Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following elements is not considered a macrobiogenic element?

Iodine Signup and view all the answers

Why do biologists study the characteristics that define living things?

To understand the evolutionary origins of life Signup and view all the answers

What best describes the primary function of macrobiogenic elements in living organisms?

Building biological structures Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Shared Properties of Living Things

Living things move, respire, respond to stimuli, obtain and use energy, excrete waste products, reproduce, and grow.
These characteristics differentiate living things from non-living things.

Chemical Basis of Life

Life can be viewed as matter.
Atoms are the smallest units of matter.
Elements are pure substances that cannot be broken down into simpler substances.
Over 100 elements exist, with 92 occurring naturally.
Biogenic elements are found in living matter.

Biogenic Elements

Macrobiogenic Elements: C, O, H, N, S, P, Na, K, Ca, Mg, Cl, and Fe.
- These elements make up about 95% of living matter.
- They have a building function.
Microbiogenic Elements: Cu, I, Mo, Mn, Zn, and Co.
- These elements are present in living organisms at less than 0.1%.
- They have a catalytic function, acting as components of enzymes.
Trace Elements: Al, As, B, Br, F, Li, Ni, Se, Si, Ti, and V.
- These elements are present in organisms at less than 0.001%.
- Like microbiogenic elements, they are involved in enzymes and have catalytic functions.

Elements in Living and Non-living Matter

Carbon is significantly more abundant in living matter (18.5%) compared to non-living matter (0.18%).
Oxygen is more abundant in living matter (65%) than non-living matter (49.40%).

Carbon, Oxygen, Hydrogen, and Nitrogen

Carbon is the foundation of all living matter.
Carbon's ability to bond with itself and other elements forms the basis of molecules and macromolecules.
Oxygen and Hydrogen are present in both organic and inorganic compounds and are integral to water (H2O).
Nitrogen is a component of proteins, nucleic acids, nitrates, and ammonium carbonates – essential for plant nutrition and protein synthesis.

Covalent and Ionic Bonding

Covalent Bonds: Formed when atoms share electrons to achieve stability, satisfying the octet rule.
- Carbon forms stable covalent bonds with H, O, and OH.
Ionic Bonds: Formed by the electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged ions.

The Octet Rule

The octet rule states that atoms tend to gain, lose, or share electrons to achieve a stable configuration of eight electrons in their outermost electron shell.
This rule is crucial for understanding the bonding behavior of atoms and the formation of molecules.

Bonding in Carbon

Carbon has an atomic number of 6, meaning it has 6 protons and 6 electrons.
To achieve stability, carbon shares its electrons with other atoms through covalent bonding.

Essential and Harmful Elements

Useful Elements: Iron (Fe), Aluminum (Al), Gold (Au), Silver (Ag), Copper (Cu), Nickel (Ni), Manganese (Mn), and Titanium (Ti).
Harmful Elements: Arsenic (As), Lead (Pb), and Mercury (Hg).

The Building Blocks of Matter

All matter is composed of atoms.
Atoms are made up of protons, neutrons, and electrons.
Protons, neutrons, and electrons are found in elements.
Elements form molecules, which can be small (micro) or large (macro), when bonded together.

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Description

Explore the fundamental shared properties of living things and the chemical basis of life in this quiz. Learn about macrobiogenic, microbiogenic, and trace elements, and their roles in living organisms. Test your understanding of the characteristics that differentiate living from non-living entities.