3A_Biomolecules

25/3/10 __Homeostasis:__

Definition- maintaining equilibrium, living system, changing environment

Processes- osmosis, diffusion, active transport (definition, explanation, find example for it)
 * **Energy** is stored in the organization of matter
 * Living organisms use matter and energy to build and maintain body structures
 * Living organisms obtain and process matter and energy
 * 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
 * The constant flow of energy and cycling of matter in the biosphere leads to a balanced or steady state.

Living organisms obtain and process matter and energy. (eg. We eat food that is processed through the digestive system to become energy such as fats for us to use.)

Why is carbon such a suitable atom of life? -carbon has a valency of four, has four free valence electrons to bind with 4 other electrons of atoms with different properties and functions to form macromolecules -has the ability to combine with itself

Notes: -The mitochondria generates energy/ it does NOT store energy,energy is stored in fats/ uses glucose to generate ATP( Abbreviation for adenosine triphosphate, an organic compound) -calcium builds bones, protein builds muscles -Is is true that energy cannot be created or lost? no. energy CAN be lost, mostly through heat but energy can NOT be destroyed.
 * energy can be transferred/flow from one system to another
 * energy can be wasted
 * energy can be changed from one form to another

__Questions to test understanding:__ What is the structure? What is its form and how is it formed? What are its functions?