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Questions and Answers
Which of the following biomolecules is considered a micro-biomolecule?
What percentage of the human body is composed of water?
Which process primarily utilizes oxygen in living organisms?
What is the significance of sodium chloride (NaCl) in metabolic functions?
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What percentage of energy is released in the absence of oxygen during cell respiration?
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Carbohydrates are composed of which elements in a typical ratio?
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What is the role of carbohydrates in living organisms?
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Which of the following statements about water in cells is true?
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Study Notes
Building Blocks of Life
- Living organisms are composed of inorganic and organic biomolecules, which play crucial roles in metabolism.
- Inorganic biomolecules include water, minerals, and are characterized as micro-biomolecules (small, low molecular weight, water-soluble, and diffusible).
- Organic biomolecules can be micro (e.g., monosugars, amino acids) or macro-biomolecules (large, high molecular weight, insoluble or slightly soluble, and non-diffusible, e.g., proteins, fats, nucleic acids).
Role of Water
- Water makes up 70-90% of the cellular pool and 65% of the human body.
- Water is composed of H and O in a 2:1 ratio.
- 95% of water is found in its free state, while 5% is bound in combined form within cells.
- Water is essential for sustaining life processes and is thus called the "elixir or cradle of life".
Role of Oxygen
- Oxygen is primarily utilized in aerobic cell respiration within mitochondria to produce energy-rich ATP molecules.
- Oxygen is essential for life, and without it, only 5% of energy available is released.
Role of Sodium Chloride (NaCl)
- Sodium chloride plays important roles in metabolic functions, especially in its ionic form.
Role of Carbohydrates
- Carbohydrates are organic compounds composed of C, H, and O in a 1:2:1 ratio.
- Carbohydrates are commonly referred to as saccharides (Greek: saccharon = sugar).
- Carbohydrates serve as main storage molecules and are used as a primary fuel source, releasing energy to sustain life by breaking their bonds.
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Description
Explore the different types of inorganic and organic biomolecules that form living organisms, including their characteristics and functions.
