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