1.1 Elements of Life
Matter is made up of elements. An element is a substance that cannot be broken down to other substances by chemical reactions. Of the 92 natural elements, about 20–25% are essential elements that an organism needs to live a healthy life and reproduce.
To Think About:
Why do living systems require a constant input of energy? Why must living systems exchange matter with the environment? What role does carbon have in the building of biological macromolecules? What roles does nitrogen have in building biological macromolecules? What role does phosphorus play in the building of biological macromolecules? What are some key properties of monomers? What type of bond connects monomers in biological macromolecules? What are dehydration synthesis and hydrolysis reactions?
Watch: AP Daily Video Elements of Life
Answer the Following Questions:
- Give three reasons living organisms need energy
- Complete the following table:
| Molecule | Contains carbon | Contains nitrogen | Contains phosphorus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carbohydrates | |||
| Proteins | |||
| Nucleic acids | |||
| Lipids |
- (Not in video) Which of the four biological molecules contains sulfur?
- Describe three different types of carbon skeletons.
Supplementary Resources:
- Crash Course Biology: That’s Why Carbon is a Tramp
- Crash Course Biology: Biological Molecules—You Are What You Eat
- BioNinja: Chemical Elements and Water
