Chemistry of Life

These flashcards cover important concepts from the Chemistry of Life chapter, including the basics of atoms, molecules, and chemical bonds, as well as the structure and function of biomolecules and the properties of water.

What is the definition of matter?

Anything that has mass and takes up space.

What are the four elements that make up over 90% of the human body?

Carbon (C), Nitrogen (N), Oxygen (O), and Hydrogen (H).

What is an atom?

The smallest unit of an element that retains its physical and chemical properties.

What are the three subatomic particles of an atom?

Protons (positively charged), Neutrons (neutral), and Electrons (negatively charged).

What differentiates an isotope from a regular atom?

Isotopes are atoms of the same element that have a different number of neutrons.

What is the difference between ionic and covalent bonds?

Ionic bonds involve the transfer of electrons, while covalent bonds involve the sharing of electrons.

What is a radioisotope?

An unstable isotope that emits radiation, which can be used in medical imaging and cancer treatment.

What is a water molecule's structure?

A polar molecule where oxygen has a partial negative charge and hydrogen has a partial positive charge.

Define cohesion in terms of water.

Water molecules cling to each other through hydrogen bonds.

What effects can acids and bases have on pH?

Acids dissociate in water and release hydrogen ions, while bases take up hydrogen ions or release hydroxide ions.

What is the pH scale?

A measure of acidity or basicity of a solution ranging from 0 to 14.

What are buffers?

Solutions that resist changes in pH when acids or bases are added.

Name the four classes of organic molecules found in cells.

Carbohydrates, Lipids, Proteins, and Nucleic Acids.

What is the significance of a dehydration reaction?

It removes water to link subunits together into macromolecules.

How do simple carbohydrates differ from complex carbohydrates?

Simple carbohydrates are made of single sugar molecules, while complex carbohydrates are long polymers of glucose.

What distinguishes saturated fats from unsaturated fats?

Saturated fats have no double bonds between carbon atoms, while unsaturated fats have one or more double bonds.

What role do phospholipids play in cells?

They are the primary components of plasma membranes, forming a bilayer.

What is the structure of amino acids?

Composed of an amino group, a carboxyl group, and a unique R group.

What is a peptide bond?

The polar covalent bond between two amino acids that form a protein.

What is the difference between DNA and RNA?

DNA is double-stranded and contains thymine; RNA is single-stranded and contains uracil.

What is ATP and its function?

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is a high-energy molecule that provides energy for cellular reactions.