Page 5 - Herlihy: The Human Body in Health and Illness, 3rd Edition

b. May involved identical atoms, such as H 2
c. May involve different atoms, such as H 2O

2. Compounds
a. Molecules formed from different atoms, such as water
(H 2O)
b. Water is both a molecule and compound

3. Some important compounds
a. Water: why it is so special
i. Acts as a universal solvent
ii. Good temperature regulator
iii.Acts as an excellent lubricant
iv. Plays a crucial role in chemical reactions
v. Acts as a cushion, thereby performing a protective
role

W A T E R

( 65% OF BODY WEIGHT) “THE MOST ABUNDANT INORGANIC
COMPOUND”

b. Oxygen
i. Necessary for human life ( 65% of the elements in
our body)
ii. Used by the cells to liberate energy. "Carbohydrates
plus Oxygen= ATP+Water+CO2"

6O 2 + C 6H 12O 6 6CO 2 + 6H 2O + 38
ATP

” makes a bond with Carbon to form carbohydrates, proteins and

fats”
c. Carbon dioxide: waste formed by metabolizing (working) cells