The chemical composition of living organisms from the point of view of science

Let's analyze the chemical composition of living organisms, identify the main substances that are needed for full-fledged development.

Biochemistry

Biochemistry is a science that studies the composition of living organisms, analyzes their structure, transformation, distribution, functions. Its formation began at the end of the 19th century, when the main classes of substances entering into living beings were identified.

Quantitative composition

The chemical composition of cells of living organisms includes many elements of the periodic table. Depending on the quantitative content, it is customary to distinguish three groups. Often they are called organogenic, since without them a complete existence of a living organism is impossible. These elements are able to form covalent bonds, which are the basis of the living world.

Macronutrients

Among the macroelements are allocated potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, chlorine, sulfur, sodium. The chemical elements that make up living organisms are needed to ensure the exchange processes.

Trace Elements

Cobalt, molybdenum, zinc, iodine, vanadium, bromine are part of hormones, enzymes. Their percentage does not exceed 10 percent.

Ultra-microcells

Gold, silver, platinum are also present in living organisms, but their number is negligible. The chemical elements that exist in living organisms are present in them in the form of positive or negative ions. They are important for the nutrition of cells, their full growth, the creation of new tissues, the maintenance of normal acid-base balance in the body. What is the chemical composition of living organisms? First of all, in terms of chemical composition, one can judge the stimulation or excitation of the cell, the level of metabolic processes, and the energy balance.

The chemical composition of living organisms includes mineral salts and water. It is in the water environment that the energy is converted, all metabolic reactions within the living organism take place. The water molecule has a dipole structure in which covalent polar bonds exist . It is the displacement of the electron density from the hydrogen atoms to oxygen that is the cause of the appearance of polarization, which determines the exceptional value of water for the vital activity of the organism. Between water molecules weak bonds are formed, which are about 20 times stronger in strength than covalent bonds. It is with their help that proteins and nucleic acids are transformed inside the body into other substances, the process is accompanied by the release of energy, which the body so needs. Water, being a universal solvent, has a special significance in the life of the organism, because most of all biochemical transformations are carried out in aqueous solutions.

What is the chemical composition of living organisms? In addition to inorganic elements, there are many other substances in it. For example, proteins and nucleic acids are present there. It is these organic substances that are needed to protect the body. To hydrophobic substances that do not dissolve in water include proteins, almost all fats. Analyzing the basic chemical composition of living organisms, we note that it is water that is associated with regulation in the body of the thermal regime. It directly affects the ability of the body in the event of sudden temperature changes, absorb heat. This property allows the body to protect itself from excessive overheating, to prevent overheating of the body as the temperature in the atmosphere increases. It is thanks to water that the energy is distributed evenly between different tissues, and full circulation of heat is carried out across all organs.

Organic composition

Among the organic compounds present in the human body, carbohydrates, lipids are of particular importance. They are compounds that are formed by high-molecular fatty acids and trihydric alcohols - glycerol. Molecules of lipids have relatively small in size molecules. They have hydrophobic properties, that is, they do not dissolve in water, but form colloidal systems - emulsions. Lipids are highly soluble in such nonpolar organic solvents as benzene, chloroform, acetone. What are the main functions of lipids? First of all they are sources of energy. In addition, these organic substances perform a building function in the living body. Carbohydrates also have a special significance for the life of the body. In addition to the building, energy function, they are needed for the supply of nutrients, as well as for protecting the body from viruses and bacteria. Regulatory capabilities of carbohydrates are in the regulatory capacity, which means protecting the body from mechanical damage. Proteins and proteins are biopolymers with a large relative molecular weight, the monomers of which are the remains of organic amino acids.

Proteins are hormones, they are necessary for the regulation of many vital processes of organisms. In the body there are also special proteins - enzymes, which are biological catalysts, capable of inhibiting or accelerating chemical reactions. Knowing the chemical composition of a living organism, one can predict its basic functions, properties, and seek ways to apply the knowledge gained.