3A_Biomolecules

=Homeostasis is the process of cells maintaining equilibrium through processes such as osmosis and diffusion, where different parts of the cell=

1. Osmosis 2. Diffusion (as seen from lab experiments) 3. Different parts of a cell - hydrophilic (Biozone and powerpoint slides)


 * **Energy** is stored in the organization of matter; for example
 * Living organisms use matter and energy to build and maintain body structures; for example,
 * Living organisms obtain and process matter and energy; for example, the digestive system in the human body - the large intestine facilitates the absorption of nutrients, and the mitochondria converts glucose into ATP, which can be used by the body for daily activities.
 * The structure of a molecule always dictates its function;
 * The structure and function of biological living systems obeys the laws of thermodynamics.
 * Communities of organisms depend on the cycling of matter and the flow of energy - this can be seen from the food web.
 * The constant flow of energy and cycling of matter in the biosphere leads to a balanced or steady state. Note that energy can neither be created nor destroyed, but can be converted into different forms of energy. The process of energy transfer is a flow; it is unlike the carbon and water cycle.


 * 1) Are we just chemicals?
 * 2) Are we what we eat?
 * 3) Why is the carbon molecule suitable for life as we know it? Carbon has four free electrons, so it can form covalent bonds with four other atoms. It can even form a bond with itself! It can form a backbone. It is found in proteins, carbohydrates and fats (building block of life).
 * 4) Why is the chemistry of water suitable for life? Water exists in three states, and floats when in solid state. It is able to form a water cycle.

Note the different functions that the different types of carbohydrates play. e.g. if we want to break down our food, we use the process hydrolysis; if we need to store energy, we use the process condensation.

Reducing sugars break down different types of components into different types of end products (e.g. copper into many colours)