Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components

Carbohydrates

Anatomy & Physiology

2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components

Carbohydrates

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1:34 minutes

Problem 18

Textbook Question

What are hydrogen bonds, and how are they important in the body?

Verified step by step guidance

Hydrogen bonds are weak interactions that occur between a hydrogen atom covalently bonded to an electronegative atom (such as oxygen or nitrogen) and another electronegative atom nearby. These bonds are not as strong as covalent or ionic bonds but are crucial for molecular interactions.

In the body, hydrogen bonds play a key role in stabilizing the structure of biomolecules, such as DNA and proteins. For example, in DNA, hydrogen bonds between complementary base pairs (adenine-thymine and cytosine-guanine) help maintain the double helix structure.

Hydrogen bonds are also essential in protein folding. They help stabilize secondary structures like alpha helices and beta sheets, which are critical for the protein's function.

Hydrogen bonds contribute to the unique properties of water, such as its high heat capacity and surface tension. These properties are vital for maintaining homeostasis and facilitating biochemical reactions in the body.

In cellular processes, hydrogen bonds enable enzyme-substrate interactions and receptor-ligand binding, ensuring proper biochemical signaling and metabolic activity.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Hydrogen Bonds

Hydrogen bonds are weak attractions that occur between a hydrogen atom covalently bonded to an electronegative atom and another electronegative atom. These bonds are crucial in determining the structure and properties of water, proteins, and nucleic acids, influencing how molecules interact and function within biological systems.

Role in Water Properties

Hydrogen bonds significantly contribute to the unique properties of water, such as its high surface tension, specific heat, and solvent capabilities. These properties are vital for maintaining homeostasis in living organisms, facilitating biochemical reactions, and supporting cellular structures.

Biological Importance

In biological systems, hydrogen bonds play a critical role in stabilizing the three-dimensional structures of proteins and nucleic acids. They are essential for processes like DNA replication and protein folding, ensuring that biological molecules maintain their functional shapes and perform their roles effectively.

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Textbook Question

Absence of which of the following nitrogen-containing bases would prevent RNA synthesis?

a. Adenine

b. Cytosine

c. Guanine

d. Thymine

e. Uracil

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Textbook Question

The element(s) essential for normal thyroid function is/are:

a. Iodine

b. Iron

c. Copper

d. Selenium

e. Zinc

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Textbook Question

Which of the following forms the basic structure of cell membranes?

Which is the basis for producing sex hormones?

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Textbook Question

Name and provide the atomic symbols of the four elements that make up the bulk of all living matter. Which of these is found primarily in proteins and nucleic acids?

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Textbook Question

Distinguish inorganic from organic compounds, and list the major categories of each in the body.

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Textbook Question

Sarah has a lower than normal amount of body fat. She tends to be chilly except on very hot days. Lauren has a higher than normal amount of body fat and tends to feel overheated most of the time. Explain the relative sensitivity to environmental temperature of these two women on the basis of information you have been given in the Organic Compounds section of this chapter.

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Textbook Question

All organic compounds in the human body contain all of the following elements except

(a) Hydrogen

(b) Oxygen

(d) Calcium

(e) Both a and d

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Textbook Question

What four major classes of organic compounds (polymers) are found in the body?

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