Basic Chemistry
Protons/Neutrons/Electrons
Atom
Element
Molecule
Common Elements in Plants
Carbon
Oxygen
Hydrogen
Nitrogen
Phosphorus
Potassium
Magnesium
Iron
Calcium
Inorganic Compounds
Water Covers ¾ of Earth’s Surface All life-forms contain it Carries dissolved nutrients Nonpolar molecule Cohesion
Water “sticks” to other water molecules Adhesion
Water “sticks” to other materials
Acids
pH of 0-6
Hydrochloric Acid (HCl)
Citrus Fruits are mostly acidic
Acid Rain
Bases
pH of 8-14
Sodium Hydroxide
Most household cleaners
Organic Compounds
Foundation of plant structure
Four groups: Carbohydrates Lipids Proteins Nucleic Acids
Carbohydrates
Fuel molecules for plants
Composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen
Three types: Monosaccharides Disaccharides Polysaccharides
Monosaccharides
“simple sugars”
Glucose: commonly called blood sugar Form of sugar that is transported in
bloodstream
Fructose Commonly called fruit sugar Found in fruits Sweeter than glucose
Disaccharides
Sucrose Common table sugar Found in sugarcane Form of sugar transported in plant’s vascular
system
Polysaccharides
Starch Main storage carbohydrates in plants How plants build up their energy reserves Potatoes, corn, rice
Cellulose Most abundant carbohydrate on Earth
Lipids
Greasy/Oily consistency
Do not dissolve in water
Waterproof covering for plants
Fats vs. Oils
Fat is solid at room temperature Generally saturated fatty acids Produced by animals Butter and Lard
Oil is liquid at room temperature Unsaturated fatty acids Produced by plants Peanut oil, soybean oil, olive oil
Phospholipids
Form cell membrane
Help things enter/leave cell
Other Lipids
Cutin: covers plant leaves and stems
Suberin: found in outer bark of woody plants
Both protect plant from excess water loss
Proteins
Help plants stay up by staying in cells and tissues
Composed of amino acids Essential parts of living
Enzymes: increase rate of chemical reactions
DNA and RNA
DNA codes for proteins
DNA involves genes, heredity
RNA makes proteins
Energy
ATP (Adenosine triphosphate) is the energy used by plants to do work