BIO 111 Chemical Basis of Life Summary

II. Chemical Basis of Life


Water and pH:



● Water is a vital component of living organisms and is essential for many of the chemical

reactions that occur within cells. It is a universal solvent and can dissolve a wide range of

substances.

● pH is a measure of the acidity or basicity of a solution. It is defined as the negative logarithm

of the hydrogen ion concentration. Solutions with a pH less than 7 are considered acidic,

while solutions with a pH greater than 7 are considered basic. Most living organisms have a

pH range that is compatible with their cellular processes, and changes in pH can have

significant effects on cellular function.




Organic molecules: carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids:



● Organic molecules are molecules that contain carbon and are important for the structure and

function of living organisms. There are four main classes of organic molecules:

carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.

● Carbohydrates are molecules that are made up of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms. They

include sugars, starches, and cellulose. Carbohydrates serve as a source of energy and

structural support in living organisms.

● Lipids are molecules that are made up of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms, but they have

a higher proportion of hydrogen atoms compared to carbohydrates. They include fats, oils,

and waxes. Lipids serve as a source of energy, insulation, and structural support in living

organisms.