Anatomy and Physiology: The Chemical Level of Organization

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary and concepts related to the chemical level of organization in anatomy and physiology.

Matter

Anything that occupies space and has mass.

Mass

The amount of matter contained in an object; it is constant regardless of gravitational forces.

Element

A pure substance made of a single type of atom.

Atom

The smallest unit of an element that retains the properties of that element.

Molecule

Two or more atoms sharing electrons.

Compound

Two or more elements joined by chemical bonds.

Atomic number

The number of protons within an atom.

Mass number

Roughly equal to the number of protons and neutrons in the atom.

Ion

An atom with an electrical charge, which can be positive (cation) or negative (anion).

Covalent bond

A bond formed when electrons are shared by atoms.

Ionic bond

A bond formed between ions with opposite charges.

Hydrogen bond

An attraction that occurs between molecules, commonly between water molecules.

Reactants

The substances that enter into a chemical reaction.

Products

The substances produced by a chemical reaction.

Synthesis reaction

A reaction where atoms, molecules, or ions combine to form new molecules.

Acid

A substance that releases hydrogen ions (H+) when dissolved in solution.

Base

A substance that releases hydroxide ions (OH−) or binds hydrogen ions in solution.

pH scale

A scale from 0 to 14 indicating the acidity or alkalinity of a solution.

Organic compound

A substance that contains both carbon and hydrogen.

Inorganic compound

A substance that does not contain both carbon and hydrogen.

Monomer

An individual unit that makes up organic molecules.

Polymer

A large molecule composed of many monomers bonded together.