Leader: Priscila Candal
Course: BIOL 256
Instructor: Dr. Krumhardt
Date:
Unit 1B: Biochemistry
Supplemental Instruction
Iowa State University
Organic versus Inorganic Compounds
CHON is an acronym for the major elements of the human body. _________ is the major
element of the human body and organics compounds contain it.
Organic compounds are ___________ bonded; some examples of these are
________________, ___________ (long chains of amino acids), ______________ (contain
genetic material) and ________________ (non-polar organic compounds).
The body is composed mainly of inorganic molecules. This inorganic compound is ___________
which makes 70% of our body weight. Other inorganic compounds are ___________ and acids
and bases (H+ and OH-).
Salts are also known as _________________________ and can conduct an electrical current.
pH
There is a 10th fold difference in concentration. Example:

If solution A has 100 times the hydrogen ions as solution B and solution B has a pH of
6.0, then solution A will have a pH equal to
a. 3.0
b. 4.0
c. 700
d. 9.0
Acidic solutions have a __________ H+ concentration and therefore a ___________ pH.
Alkaline or basic solutions have a ________ H+ concentration and therefore a _________ pH.
In the body, _____________ are needed to keep the body’s pH at the right level (7.4). These are
solutions that resist changes in H+ maintaining a stable pH.
Water
Temperature regulation
When water vaporizes, it takes large quantities of heat with it, cooling the body’s temperature down.
Because water has a ___________________ it can absorb and release large quantities of heat before
significantly changing __________________.
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Our bodies are composed of ____% of water. That large percentage of water holds heat in the water
and helps prevent fluctuations in body temperature.
Cushioning and Lubrication
Water acts as a protective cushioning. Some examples are: __________________, _____________,
________________ and __________________________. (think anatomy)
Water acts in lubrication. Some examples are: _______, __________, _____________, and
____________.
Reactant
Water molecules act as __________. Water can hydrolyze a carbohydrate bond breaking down starch
into units of glucose due to its polarity (polar solvent properties) .
Ions and Electrolytes
_________ are charged particles.
Positively charged ions are known as _________.
The main cations found in body fluids are: ________________, ________________, ______________
and _______________.
Negatively charged ions are called ___________.
The main anions found in body fluids are: __________, __________________, _______________,
______________ as well as organic acids (lactate) and some proteins
_____________ are ions dissolved in body fluids.
Major extracellular cation is ______________. Major extracellular anion is ____________.
Major intracellular cation is ______________. Major intracellular anions are: _______________ (HPO42and H2PO4-) and proteins.