Composition of the human body:
water, proteins, fats, sugars, starch, DNA, minerals, vitamins, salts, acids, and bases
Our bodies need about 25 elements for normal growth
Elements together make up the complex molecules that form:
sugar, starch, fat, oil, wax, and proteins.
Why are complex molecules called ORGANIC COMPOUNDS?
Because these complex molecules contain carbon,
What are inorganic compounds:
Substances that do not contain carbon
ex.Baking soda and the mineral quartz
Characteristics of organic molecules :
Organic molecules can be very large and complex.
Nutrients
Nutrients are elements and compounds that organisms need for living, growing, and reproducing.
What nutrients do plants obtain?
What are macronutrients?
Nutrients that are needed in large amounts
What are micronutrients?
Nutrients in which small amounts are needed
-Elements such as selenium are also essential for plant and animal but it is needed in small amounts
Importance of Nitrogen (N):
Plants
* Leaf and stem growth
Importance of Phosphorous (P):
Plants
* Cellular respiration and photosynthesis
Importance of Potassium (K):
Plants
Importance of Magnesium (Mg):
Plants
* Photosynthesis
Importance of Calcium (Ca):
Plants
* Cell division
Importance of Sulfur (S):
Plants
• Production of fruits and grains
Importance of Nitrogen (N):
Animals
Importance of Phosphorous (P):
Animals
* Many metabolic reactions
Importance of Potassium (K):
Animals
• Muscle contraction and nerve impulses
Importance of Magnesium (Mg):
Animals
* Absorption of calcium and potassium
Importance of Calcium (Ca):
Animals
Importance of Sulfur (S):
Animals
optimum amounts
Just the right amount (not too much or less)
The optimum amount of a substance is the amount
that provides an organism with the best health
selenium
The micronutrient selenium is an element that is required in trace amounts in your diet. Too much of it can cause harmful health effects,
For humans, at least 70 g
(micrograms) of selenium per day is recommended.
Four important classes of organic compounds are:
carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.