Introduction

What makes up living things? This is a common question that is necessary to explore for a basic understanding of life science. Chemistry is the branch of science that explores matter, its reactions and changes. Through a basic understanding of chemistry, a life science student will be able to adequately explain how both organic and inorganic matter contribute to living things.

In this unit, students will gain a general understanding or inorganic and organic matter necessary for life. The focus of the unit will be based on building an understanding of matter; chemical reactions and how various types of inorganic and organic matter are used by living things. An emphasis will be placed on applying concepts in biochemistry through a basic introduction of human nutrition.

Core Terminology

The following terminology will used within this unit. Students will be responsible for the terminology listed below. Terminology is listed in the order by which it will be introduced.

Matter Base

Physical property Suspensions

Chemical property Polymer

Phases Monomer

Atoms Macromolecule

Proton Carbohydrates

Neutron Monosaccharides

Electron Disaccharides

Nucleus Polysaccharides

Atomic Number Dehydration Synthesis

Atomic Mass Hydrolysis

Element Lipids

Molecule Saturated

Isotope Unsaturated

Compound Proteins

Covalent Bonding Amino Acid

Ionic Bonding Peptide Bonds

Chemical Reaction Enzymes

Balanced Equation Substrate

Law of Conservation of Matter Active Site

Homogeneous Mixtures Nucleic Acids

Heterogeneous Mixtures DNA

Solutions RNA

Inorganic Compounds Nutrients

Organic Compounds Minerals

Solvent Vitamins

Solute RDA

Acid Food Label

pH calorie