Templonuevo, Sharmaine N.

NAT-SCI
NB703 M-TH 10:30-12:00

1) Definition of the following:

a) Atom
The smallest component of an element having the chemical properties of the element, consisting
of a nucleus containing combinations of neutrons and protons and one or more electrons bound
to the nucleus by electrical attraction; the number of protons determines the identity of the
element.
b) Molecule
Is the smallest particle in a chemical element or compound that has the chemical properties of
that element or compound.
c) Compound
Is a substance formed when two or more chemical elements are chemically bonded together.
d) Inorganic Compound
Is any compound that lacks a carbon atom, for lack of a more in-depth definition.
e) Organic Compound
Those compounds with a carbon atom.

2) Enumerate the inorganic compound . Give the function and examples.

Function of inorganic compound:

1. Many of our enzymes serve as chelators for inorganic elements (usually ions). It's a bit
complicated, but what that basically means is that enzymes will fold around an inorganic
element, and the resulting conformation will help it carry out its function. Hemoglobin, which is of
course a vital protein that carries oxygen throughout our bodies, wouldn't work at all if it were
not for the iron ion it's functional units are wrapped around. The iron 'heme' group of hemoglobin
is what actually binds oxygen. Some structural proteins will chelate minerals as well; the calcium
in our bones for example.

2. Secondly, inorganic substances are crucial for transporting substances across membranes. The
different gradients of inorganic elements (like sodium, potassium, calcium and chlorine ions) in
and around cells allows membrane bound transport proteins to function correctly. A variety of
critically important functions of our cells depend on these gradients; from nerve impulse
transmission to the transport of proteins in and out of cells.

3. Oxygen and water are both inorganic compounds as well (with respect to chemistry, organic
means containing carbon). Oxygen of course has a integral role in aerobic metabolism; water has
so many functions and roles in our bodies.

Examples of Inorganic Compounds:

1. H2O - Water is a simple inorganic compound, even though it contains hydrogen, a key
atom (along with carbon) in many organic compounds. The atoms in a molecule of water have
formed very simple bonds due to this lack of carbon.
2. HCl - Hydrochloride, also known as hydrochloric acid when it is dissolved in water, is a
colorless, corrosive acid with a fairly strong pH. It is found in the gastric juices of many
animals, helping in digestion by breaking down food.
3. CO2 - Carbon dioxide, despite the presence of a carbon atom in the formula, is classified
as an inorganic compound. This has caused a dispute within the scientific community, with
questions being raised as to the validity of our current methods of classifying compounds.
Currently, organic compounds contain a carbon or a hydrocarbon, which forms a stronger
bond. The bond formed by carbon in CO2 is not a strong bond.
4. NO2 - Nitrogen dioxide gas presents a variety of colors at different temperatures. It is
often produced in atmospheric nuclear tests, and is responsible for the tell-tale reddish color
displayed in mushroom clouds. It is highly toxic, and forms fairly weak bonds between the
nitrogen and oxygen atoms.
5. Fe2O3 - Iron (III) oxide is one of the three main oxides of iron, and is an inorganic
compound due to the lack of a carbon atom or a hydrocarbon. Iron (III) oxide occurs naturally
as hematite, and is the source of most iron for the steel production industry. It is commonly
known as rust, and shares a number of characteristics with its naturally occurring
counterpart.

3) Enumerate the organic compound . Give the function and examples.

Function of inorganic compound:

All these components provide the energy and the means to maintain and create life.

Examples of Inorganic Compounds:

Carbohydrates- provide energy for all living things and form the basis for some of
their structures. Simple carbohydrates, or sugars, are monosaccharides that are
directly absorbed. Glucose is a monosaccharide that is the basic fuel for life. Cellular
respiration begins with glucose, and is the main product of photosynthesis.
Monosaccharides & Polyssacharides- Linked monosaccharides, or polysaccharides,
are complex carbohydrates that are broken down by enzymes into simple sugars so
they can be absorbed by the body. Most important are the starches, which are a
storage form for carbohydrates. Glycogen is stored in the liver as glucose. Cellulose,
such as cotton fabric and paper, is primarily a structural carbohydrate.
Lipids- make up waxes, fats and the steroids that compose many hormones. When
oxidized, fat provides almost twice the energy of carbohydrates. Fats are often stored
in plant seeds and in the adipose tissue of animals for reserve energy.
Protein- All life consists of proteins, which build and repair tissues and make up the
enzymes that catalyze chemical reactions inside cells. Proteins also store a cells
reserve energy