Living Organisms and Biomolecules PDF

Living organisms and biomolecules Nujarin Jongruja, Ph.D. How can we define things as livings? - Size? - Appearance? - Complexity? - Genetic Material? There are 7 characteristics: Movement Respiration Sensitivity Growth Reproduction...

Living organisms and biomolecules Nujarin Jongruja, Ph.D. How can we define things as livings? - Size? - Appearance? - Complexity? - Genetic Material? There are 7 characteristics: Movement Respiration Sensitivity Growth Reproduction Excretion Nutrition  Movement An action by an organism or part of an organism causing a change of position or place.  Respiration The chemical reactions that break down nutrient molecules in living cells to release energy  Sensitivity The ability to detect or sense changes in the environment (stimuli) and to make responses.  Growth A permanent increase in size and dry mass by an increase in cell number or cell size or both.  Reproduction The processes that make more of the same kind of organism  Excretion The removal from organisms of toxic materials, the waste products of metabolism (chemical reactions in cells including respiration) and substances in excess of requirements.  Nutrition The taking in of nutrients which are organic substances and mineral ions, containing raw materials or energy for growth and tissue repair, absorbing and assimilating them.  Levels of Organization of Biological Study Biomolecules What are the biomolecules? Molecules made of the biological elements, which all living things are made of. 4 Types: Carbohydrates Lipids Nucleic Acids Proteins Monomers = Basic building blocks, and repeating units that make up the biomolecules. Polymers = The whole biomolecule (made of monomers). Carbohydrates Structure: Monomers = Monosaccharides (Simple Sugars like Glucose and Fructose) Polymers = Polysaccharides (Complex Carbs like Starch and Wheat) Function: Monosaccharides provide cells with a quick burst (short term) of energy. Polysaccharides provide cells with more intermediate energy. Lipids Structure: Monomers = Fatty Acids and Glycerol Molecules Polymers = Phospholipids, Oils, Fats Function: Phospholipids form the outer-covering (cell membranes) of cells. Oils and Fats provide cells with a source of long term energy storage. Nucleic Acids Structure: Monomers = Nucleotides Polymers = DNA and RNA Function: Provide cells with genetic instructions to make proteins. Proteins Structure: Monomers = Amino Acids Polymers = Proteins or “Polypeptides”, and Enzymes Function: Create Cell Structure. Provide the physical expression of DNA / RNA. Enzymes catalyze (speed up) chemical reactions. Hemoglobin: A type of protein in your red blood cells, which allows oxygen to bind. Contains Iron in the center of the molecule.