The Building Blocks of Life: Cells, Molecules, and Processes

Water and Salts

Water

More than half of our body is water. Water is used for carrying out chemical reactions and for transporting substances.

Mineral Salts

Make up the hard and solid parts of our bodies.

Glucids

Glucids are bio-molecules made up of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen.

Types of Glucids

• Monosaccharides: The simplest glucids.
• Disaccharides: The union of two monosaccharides.
• Polysaccharides: Many monosaccharide molecules joined together.

Proteins

Proteins have carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, and a smaller proportion of sulfur.

They are made of the joint of many molecules called amino acids.

Functions of Proteins

• Are an important part of cell structure.
• Defense.
• Transporting substances.

Lipids

Lipids are a group of different substances. Lipids are not soluble in water and form important structures.

Nucleic Acids

Two kinds: DNA and RNA.

Function of Nucleic Acids

Store information for the functioning and development of the living being.

Kinds of Cells

Prokaryotic

Cells such as bacteria where the nucleus is not separated from the rest of the cell.

Eukaryotic

Cells, such as fungi, where the nucleus is separated from the rest of the cell.

Cell Structure

Cellular Membrane

Consists of lipids and proteins. It surrounds the cells, which are protected by a cell wall.

Cytoplasm

Is the space between the nucleus and the cell membrane. It consists of a liquid called hyaloplasm.

Nucleus

Generally spherical in shape and is confined by a nuclear envelope.

Function of the Nucleus

Carry the genetic information of the cell.

Cellular Nutrition

Autotroph

The cells make the organic matter they need from inorganic compounds.

Heterotroph

The cells make the matter they need from organic matter made by other cells.

Cellular Reproduction

The process to reproduce is known as mitosis. During mitosis, the DNA is duplicated, including the chromosomes. As a result of mitosis, two daughter cells are obtained where the DNA is identical to the mother cell.

Thallus Structure

This is found in living beings whose cells are the same. All cells are able to carry out the three vital functions.

Tissue Organization

Is found in living beings which are made up of various different types of cells. Each cell type is specialized in an activity.