Module 1: Atoms, Water, and Carbon

Vocabulary flashcards covering foundational biological concepts, subatomic particles, chemical bonds, water properties, and major organic molecules from Module 1.

Jacques Monod

French biochemist who stated, "Anything found to be true of E. coli must also be true of elephants."

Homeostasis

The ability of living organisms to maintain a relatively constant internal environment.

GJ 251 c

A "super-Earth" located less than $20$ light years away, discovered in October.

Protons

Subatomic particles located in the nucleus of an atom that possess a positive charge.

Neutrons

Subatomic particles located in the nucleus of an atom that possess no charge.

Electrons

Subatomic particles that possess a negative charge and occupy energy levels surrounding the nucleus.

Valence electrons

The electrons located in an atom's outermost energy level.

Covalent bonds

Chemical bonds formed when atoms share electrons.

Ionic interactions

Chemical interactions formed when electrons are transferred from one atom to another, creating charged ions.

Nonpolar covalent bond

A type of covalent bond in which electrons are shared approximately equally between atoms.

Polar covalent bond

A type of covalent bond in which electrons are shared unequally between atoms.

Electronegativity

An atom's ability to attract shared electrons.

Hydrogen bonds

Bonds that form when a hydrogen atom is "sandwiched" between two electron-attracting atoms, typically oxygen (O) or nitrogen (N).

Proteins

Highly versatile organic molecules that make up $15\%$ of a bacterial cell.

Nucleic acids

Information molecules, such as DNA and RNA, found in cells.

Lipids

A family of small organic molecules that serve fuel and barrier functions in cells.

Carbohydrates

A family of small organic molecules that function as fuels and information in cells.