Chemical Basis of Life

A chemical test used to identify the presence of starch in a sample. A drop of iodine solution is added to the sample. A purplish-blue color indicates the presence of starch.

A chemical test used to identify the presence of glucose in a sample. Benedict's solution is added to the sample and heated. Color changes from blue to green to orange to brick red indicate increasing glucose concentration.

A complex molecule consisting of long chains of amino acids. Plays crucial roles in various biological processes.

The building blocks of proteins. There are 20 different amino acids, each with a unique chemical structure.

Amino acids that cannot be synthesized by the body and must be obtained through diet.

Proteins found in muscles, responsible for muscle contraction.

Protein found in bones, providing strength and structure.

Protein found in red blood cells, responsible for oxygen transport.

Protein found in hair and nails, providing strength and structure.

Proteins serve as an energy source when the supply of lipids and carbohydrates is insufficient. The body breaks down proteins to release energy.

A disaccharide formed from two glucose molecules linked together. Found in germinating seeds.

A disaccharide formed from glucose and fructose. Found in table sugar, sugarcane, beetroot, and some fruits.

A disaccharide made of glucose and galactose, found in dairy products. It's the only sugar not present in plants.

A complex carbohydrate made of many glucose units linked together. Serves as a structural component of plant cell walls. Humans can't digest it.

A complex carbohydrate made of many glucose units linked together. It serves as a storage form of energy in plants. Commonly found in grains and starchy vegetables like potatoes.

A complex carbohydrate made of many glucose units linked together. It serves as a storage form of energy in animals, found primarily in the liver and muscles.

Carbohydrates are a primary source of energy for living organisms.

Carbohydrates like starch and glycogen serve as storage forms of energy.

Cellulose, a complex carbohydrate, forms the structural framework of plant cell walls.

Carbohydrates are a component of nucleic acids, a group of molecules that carry genetic information.

Chemical compounds that contain carbon are considered organic compounds. They are essential for life and form the basis of many biological molecules.

Chemical compounds that do not contain carbon are inorganic compounds. They play important roles in biological processes, even though they are not the building blocks of life.

The four main types of biomolecules are carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. They are complex organic compounds that perform various functions in living organisms.

Carbohydrates are one of the four main biomolecules, serving as a primary energy source for living organisms. They are made up of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen.

Proteins are one of the four main biomolecules. They are essential for structure, function, and regulation in living organisms. Made up of amino acids, they have various roles, like building tissues, transporting substances, and catalyzing reactions.

Lipids, also known as fats and oils, are another type of biomolecule. They store energy, insulate, and provide structural support. They are made up of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen.

Nucleic acids are the fourth main biomolecule. They are responsible for storing and transmitting genetic information within living organisms. They include DNA and RNA.

Vitamins are organic compounds that are essential for various biological processes. They are not produced by the body, so they must be obtained through diet.

Water is an inorganic compound essential for life. It acts as a solvent, transports nutrients, and regulates temperature.

Minerals are inorganic compounds that are essential for various biological processes. They are obtained through diet and are vital for bone health, nerve function, and muscle contraction.

Carbohydrates are organic compounds composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms, with a general formula of Cn(H2O)n. They are essential for energy production and structural support.

Monosaccharides, also known as simple sugars, are the basic building blocks of carbohydrates. They have a general formula of C6H12O6. Examples include glucose, fructose, and galactose.

Disaccharides are formed when two monosaccharides join together, releasing a water molecule in the process. These are also sweet and water-soluble. Examples include maltose, sucrose, and lactose.

Polysaccharides are complex carbohydrates formed by the joining of many monosaccharide units. They are generally large, often insoluble in water, and serve structural and storage functions. Examples include starch, cellulose, and glycogen.