Ch2. Narration #3 (2.5 inorganic compounds)

Inorganic Compounds

Compounds that lack carbon; includes water, salts, and many acids and bases.

Organic Compounds

Compounds that contain carbon; includes carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.

Water

Most abundant inorganic compound in the body, accounting for two-thirds of body weight.

Polarity

Water's ability to form solutions with various solutes, earning it the title of 'universal solvent.'

Hydrolysis

Chemical reactions that require water, such as digestion.

Salts

Ionic compounds that dissociate into ions in water and are vital to many body functions.

Electrolytes

Ions that conduct electrical currents in the body.

Acids

Electrolytes that release hydrogen ions (H+) when dissolved in water.

Bases

Electrolytes that release hydroxyl ions (OH–) when dissolved in water.

Neutralization Reaction

An exchange reaction where acids and bases react to form water and a salt.

pH Scale

Measures the relative concentration of hydrogen ions in a solution, ranging from 0 to 14.

Buffers

Chemicals that help regulate pH changes in body fluids.

Dehydration Synthesis

Process where monomers are joined to form polymers, removing water in the process.

Hydrolysis

Process where polymers are broken down into monomers by adding water.