Topic 1: The Chemistry of Life

1. Core Content

Molecules For Life

Organic molecules are made up of C, H, and O, and some contain other elements, such as N and P. Cells are made up of proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids and vitamins. (Only basic structural detail required.)

Inorganic Compounds

• The main functions of:

- water: 2 H and 1 O;

- minerals: e.g., Na, K, Ca, P, Fe, I, nitrates, phosphates; macro and micro elements;

mainfunctions and deficiency diseases (link to nutrition and Grade 9).

• The need for fertilisers in over utilised soils, e.g., where crops are grown and regularly harvested, fertilizers are washed away into rivers, and eutrophication can take place (link to ecology).

Organic Compounds

• carbohydrates - monosaccharaides (single sugars), e.g., glucose and fructose; disaccharides, (double sugars), e.g., sucrose and maltose; polysaccharides (many sugars), e.g., starch, cellulose and glycogen;

• lipids (fats and oils) - 1 glycerol and 3 fatty acids: unsaturated and saturated fats; cholesterol in foods; and heart disease (link to Grade 9);

• proteins - amino acids (C,H, O and N and some have P, S, Fe) - are sensitive to temperature and pH: loss of structure and function; the role of enzymes in breaking down/synthesising molecules; the influence of temperature and pH on enzyme action; the Lock

and Key Model of how enzymes work; enzymes in everyday life (for instance using washing powders);

• Mention of nucleic acids - DNA and RNA - consisting of C, H, O, N and P (no details of structure required); and

• vitamins - e.g., A, one of the B vitamins, C, D and E.

(Simple diagrams to represent molecules. Review briefly why these substances are needed in plants and animals i.e. build on prior knowledge. Do not give detail of structure or function - functions will be dealt with in later sections where appropriate. This is a brief introduction to the molecular make-up of organisms.)

3. Relevant video resources