Introduction to Biochemistry and Atomic Structure

Flashcards covering key terms and concepts from Introduction to Biochemistry, including organic compounds, atomic theory, subatomic particles, and atomic structure diagrams.

Biochemistry

The study of the chemical processes that occur in all living organisms.

Organic compound

A compound that contains carbon, specifically requiring carbon-hydrogen bonds.

Inorganic compound distinction

The primary difference from organic compounds is that organic compounds must contain carbon and carbon-hydrogen bonds.

Matter

Anything that occupies space and possesses mass.

Atom

The basic unit and building block of matter, which contains protons, neutrons, and electrons.

Leuccippus and Democritus

Greek philosophers in the fifth century BC who proposed the theory that matter is made up of tiny particles that cannot be divided further.

Protons

Positively charged particles located in the nucleus of an atom.

Electrons

Tiny, negatively charged particles that move around the nucleus in specific energy orbits called energy levels or shells.

Neutrons

Particles that are neutral in charge and located within the nucleus of an atom.

Energy levels (shells)

Specific energy orbits around the nucleus in which electrons move.

Overall charge of an atom

Zero, because the number of positively charged protons is equal to the number of negatively charged electrons.

Atom structure diagram

A visual representation showing a central nucleus containing protons and neutrons, surrounded by orbiting electrons.

Chlorine atomic structure

An atom with an atomic number of 17, atomic weight of 35.453, containing 17 protons, 18 neutrons, and 17 electrons arranged in shells as 2, 8, 7.