Basic Chemistry ProtonsNeutronsElectrons Atom Element Molecule Common Elements

Basic Chemistry

Protons/Neutrons/Electrons Atom Element Molecule

Common Elements in Plants Carbon Phosphorus Oxygen Potassium Hydrogen Magnesium Nitrogen 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 p. H of 0 -6 Hydrochloric Acid (HCl) Citrus Fruits are mostly acidic Acid Rain

Bases p. H 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