Chemical Context of Life and Molecular Diversity Flashcards (copy)

Matter

Anything that takes up space and has mass; exists in forms such as rocks, metals, oils, gases, and organisms.

Elements

Substances that cannot be broken down into other substances by chemical reactions; 92 naturally occurring elements recognized today.

Compounds

Substances consisting of two or more different elements combined in a fixed ratio (e.g., NaCl).

Emergent Properties

New and unique characteristics that appear at a higher level due to the level of biological organizations

Big four elements

are carbon, nitrogen, hydrogen, and oxygen (CNHO)

Isotopes

Different atomic forms of the same element with the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons.

Atomic Number

The number of protons unique to an element.

Covalent Bonds

The sharing of a pair of valence electrons by two atoms.

Electronegativity

The attraction of a particular atom for the electrons of a covalent bond.

Ionic Bonds

Where one atom completely transfers one or more electrons to another to a much more electronegative partner.

Hydrogen Bonds

Noncovalent attraction between a hydrogen atom covalently bonded to an electronegative atom and another electronegative atom.

Cohesion

Hydrogen bonds hold water molecules together, facilitating water transport in plants against gravity.

Specific Heat

Water's resistance to temperature changes, due to the breaking of hydrogen bonds.

Hydrophilic vs. Hydrophobic

Hydrophilic substances have an affinity for water; hydrophobic substances repel water.

Molarity

A way to measure the concentration of a chemical solution

Monosaccharides

Simple sugars with the formula CH2O; glucose is the most common.

Polysaccharides

Long chains of monosaccharides used for storage (e.g., starch) and structure (e.g., cellulose).

Saturated Fats

Fats with no double bonds; solid at room temperature.

Phospholipids

Molecules consisting of glycerol, two fatty acids, and a phosphate group; form cell membrane bilayers.

Amino Acids

Building blocks of proteins, each with an α carbon, amino group, carboxyl group, and a variable R group.

Denaturation

Loss of native shape and function of a protein due to pH, salt, or temperature changes.

Nucleic Acids

Polymers known as polynucleotides, involved in the storage and expression of hereditary information. Like DNA and the RNA.

Gene Expression

The process of DNA turning into RNA, which then produces proteins.

Genomics

The study of large sets of genes or entire genomes.

What is Nucleic Acid made from

Made of A 5-carbon sugar, A phosphate group, and A nitrogenous base.