Chemical composition of the cell

It is established that eighty-six elements from the periodic system are constantly present in the human body. To sustain life, twenty-five components are needed, of which eighteen are absolutely necessary, and seven are useful.

Such cell chemical elements as nitrogen and hydrogen, carbon and oxygen occupy about 98% of its total mass. The content of other components is very small. So, for example, sulfur is present in the amount of 0.15-0.2%, and the share of iodine is only 0.000001%.

The chemical substance of the cell includes molecules of fats, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, proteins, carbon dioxide, oxygen and water. What is characteristic, in inanimate nature, all these components together can not be found anywhere.

Nucleic acids, which are part of the chemical composition of the cell, are the basis of ribonucleic and deoxyribonucleic acids. DNA and RNA are the custodians of genetic (hereditary) data.

Proteins provide the existence of cells and, in addition, contribute to the performance of their functions. The fraction of proteins accounts for half the dry mass of the cell.

These high molecular compounds consist of amino acids. Due to the physical and chemical bonds between amino acids, the proteins are compactly located inside the cell.

The primary structure of the protein looks like a thread. Subsequently (as synthesized), a secondary (spiral-like) is formed, followed by a tertiary structure similar to a fibril (cord) or globule (pellet). When several molecules are combined with each other or when they interact with nonprotein molecules, a quaternary formation occurs. So, for example, a hemoglobin molecule is formed. It consists of globin (protein) and heme, a component of non-protein origin containing iron.

According to biological purpose, proteins are divided into three categories. Enzymes belong to the first group. They are biological catalysts of chemical reactions. The second group includes mediators, hormones and other "specific" proteins. The third group contains structural molecules. They are necessary for the renewal and restoration of elements that make up the chemical composition of the cell.

The membranes consist of phospholipids (fatty molecules). Fats contribute to the preservation of heat, being a heat insulator. Their importance in obtaining water is of no small importance. It is established that when burning a kilo of fat, one kilogram and one hundred grams of water are obtained. In addition, these fat components, which are part of the chemical composition of the cell, are an irreplaceable energy source.

Energy is also produced by carbohydrates, mainly glucose and its polymer - glycogen. However, it is worth noting that the energy value of fat is six times higher than that of glycogen. In this case, its reserves in muscles and liver are thirty times smaller.

Water also enters the chemical composition of the cell. It is established that even in dental enamel (the hardest tissue in the body) contains ten percent of water. In most cells, H2O accounts for seventy to eighty percent, in bone cells it is twenty percent.

Water, as is known, is a universal solvent. With the participation of H2O, heat regulation is carried out. Also, all biochemical cellular reactions take place in it. Water determines many physical properties. For example, elasticity, volume and other characteristics are established. In addition, water takes an active part in the removal of toxic products, the transport of nutrients, oxygen and other, promotes metabolism.

In the process of energy transformations, oxygen enters the cells. It is a powerful natural oxidizer. One of the final products of cellular respiration is carbon dioxide.