The Big 3
These organic compounds are the body's primary source of immediate energy and include sugars and starches.
What are carbohydrates?
This inorganic substance is essential for building strong bones and teeth in humans.
What is calcium?
This inorganic liquid is the most universal solvent and is required by all living things to transport nutrients.
What is water?
To be classified as "organic" in chemistry, a molecule must contain this specific element.
What is carbon?
These molecules are used for long-term energy storage, insulation, and creating cell membranes.
What are lipids (or fats)?
This mineral is a key component of hemoglobin, allowing red blood cells to carry oxygen.
What is iron?
This happens to a plant's growth if a specific essential mineral is completely missing from the soil.
What is it is limited or stunted?
These substances, like quartz or salt, do not contain carbon-hydrogen bonds and are usually found in the earth's crust.
What are inorganic substances?
Synthesized from amino acids, these organic molecules are essential for building muscle and acting as enzymes.
What are proteins?
These three elements, often represented by the letters N, P, and K on bags, are essential for plant growth.
What are Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium?
This essential plant nutrient is responsible for "greening" the leaves and promoting rapid vegetative growth.
What is nitrogen?
This gas is an inorganic substance required by humans for cellular respiration but is toxic in its "monoxide" form.
What is oxygen?
Plants synthesize this specific carbohydrate through photosynthesis to provide structural support to their cell walls.
What is cellulose?
This term describes minerals needed by the body in very small amounts, such as iodine or zinc.
What are trace elements (or micronutrients)?
Excessive amounts of these substances can "burn" a plant's roots or lead to toxic runoff in nearby ponds.
What are fertilizers?
Vitamins are categorized as this type of substance because they are complex molecules made by living things.
What is organic?
This is the process by which plants convert inorganic carbon dioxide and water into organic glucose.
What is photosynthesis?
While essential for nerves and fluid balance, an excess of this inorganic substance can lead to high blood pressure.
What is sodium, or salt?
Mrs. van Middelkoop's Favourite TV show.
What is FRIENDS?
This inorganic scale measures how acidic or basic a substance is, which determines if it is harmful to aquatic life.
What is the pH scale?