Inorganic

What is Inorganic Matter?

Inorganic describes substances or compounds that do not contain carbon-hydrogen (C-H) bonds. In contrast, organic compounds are characterized by the presence of C-H bonds. While carbon is a key element in organic molecules, inorganic molecules can involve a wide range of elements.

Inorganic Substances Overview

Absence of C-H Bonds

Inorganic compounds lack carbon-hydrogen (C-H) bonds. Organic compounds, on the other hand, are defined by the presence of C-H bonds.

Common Inorganic Elements

Inorganic compounds can involve various elements, including metals (e.g., sodium, calcium, iron), nonmetals (e.g., oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur), and metalloids (e.g., silicon).

Water and Minerals

Water (H₂O) is an essential inorganic compound in biology. Additionally, many minerals and salts, such as calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) and sodium chloride (NaCl), are inorganic and play crucial roles in biological processes.

Inorganic Molecules in Metabolism

While the building blocks of living organisms are primarily organic molecules (proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, lipids), certain inorganic molecules participate in metabolic processes. For example, inorganic phosphate (Pi) is involved in energy transfer through ATP (adenosine triphosphate).

Inorganic Compounds in Living Organisms

Living organisms may contain inorganic compounds as components or cofactors. For instance, metal ions such as iron (Fe) are integral to the structure and function of hemoglobin in red blood cells.

Mineral Nutrition

Plants and animals require essential inorganic elements for growth and development. These elements, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and others, are obtained through mineral nutrition.