Chemical Principles

What are the three subatomic particles of an atom?

Protons, neutrons, and electrons.

What indicates the atomic number of an element?

The number of protons.

What are isotopes?

Atoms of the same element with different neutron numbers.

What is a cation?

An atom that loses electrons and has a positive charge.

What is a hydrogen bond?

A weak bond that occurs when a hydrogen atom is attracted to oxygen or nitrogen.

Define synthesis reactions.

Reactions where smaller molecules combine to form larger molecules.

What do acids release in solution?

H+ ions.

What is the range of the pH scale?

0 to 14.

What are the building blocks of carbohydrates?

Monosaccharides.

What is the primary function of proteins?

Structure, enzymes, transport, defense, and movement.

What is ATP?

The primary energy carrier in cells.

What happens when ATP is hydrolyzed?

It releases energy and converts to ADP and inorganic phosphate.

What are lipids primarily known for?

Energy storage, membrane structure, and signaling.

Define dehydration synthesis.

The process where monomers join by removing water.

What are the types of RNA involved in protein synthesis?

mRNA, rRNA, and tRNA.

What are the two categories of compounds based on carbon content?

Inorganic compounds and organic compounds.

What is the significance of the pH buffer?

Helps regulate pH in organisms and lab cultures.

What structure do phospholipids form in cells?

The main component of cell membranes.

What is the role of functional groups in organic molecules?

They determine the chemical properties of the molecules.

What type of carbohydrates are glycogen and cellulose?

Polysaccharides.

What defines a simple protein?

A protein containing only amino acids.