survival of living organisms. Each of these molecule classes consists of polymeric
compounds made up of individual monomers. Chemical tests for the presence of each
of these polymers in a sample rely on the detection of the component monomer.- Each of these compounds has essential functions in living organisms, for example:
fats (storage); proteins (growth); carbohydrates (energy); nucleic acids (store genetic
information); vitamins (variety of functions in the body). An inadequate supply of
these can result in diseases of malnutrition (e.g kwashiorkor, marasmus, scurvy, rickets
etc). - The class of proteins known as enzymes is important in speeding up chemical reactions
in living organisms. Enzymes work under specific pH and temperature conditions
known as ‘optimal conditions’. They may become denatured or deactivated under
unfavourable conditions. - The Recommended Dietary Allowance is a measure of how much of the various or-
ganic and inorganic nutrients we require in our diet. The specific allowance is different
across age groups and sexes. It is a useful guide to maintaining a balanced diet.
Exercise 2 – 1: End of chapter exercises
- Which one of the following is not a biological role of water?
a) prevents deficiency diseases
b) dissolves biochemical compounds
c) provides a medium in which chemical reactions take place
d) involved in the hydrolysis of foodstuffs - Which combination of the following substances is best to prevent rickets?
a) magnesium, phosphorus and carrots
b) phosphorus, calcium and fish liver oil
c) iron, calcium and liver
d) iodine, iron and oranges - Study the diagram below and answer the following questions:
Chapter 2. The chemistry of life 53