Topic 2 Chemistry of Life Flashcards

Flashcards covering key terms and concepts in the Chemistry of Life lecture.

What is Chemistry?

The study of matter

Define Matter.

Anything that occupies space and has weight

What is Organic Chemistry?

The study of carbon-containing substances

What is Inorganic Chemistry?

The study of non-carbon containing substances

What are Elements?

Simplest type of matter

What are Atoms?

Basic unit of matter, the smallest unit of an element

What are the 3 States of Matter?

Solid, Liquid, and Gas

Describe a Solid.

Has a definite shape and volume

Describe a Liquid.

Takes on the shape of the container it is in

Describe Gases.

Has neither a shape or a volume

What are the three sub-atomic particles?

Neutrons, Protons, and Electrons

Describe Neutrons.

Found in the nucleus and has no electrical charge

Describe Protons.

Found in the nucleus and has a positive charge

Describe Electrons.

Orbit the nucleus and have a negative charge

What is the Atomic Number?

Number of protons in the nucleus

What is the Atomic Weight?

Number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus

Define Isotopes.

Elements with the same atomic number but a different atomic weight

Define Radioisotopes.

Isotopes that are unstable and will decay into more simple substances by giving off waves or particles; these are radioactive

What are the 4 Common Elements of the Body?

Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen, Nitrogen

What are Valence Electrons?

Electrons in the outer shell of an atom, used for bonding

Define Electronegativity.

Ability of an atom's nucleus to attract other electrons

What are Ionic Bonds?

Formed by electrons transferring to stabilize shells of atom; these types of bonds will usually dissolve in water (electrolytes)

What are Covalent Bonds?

Formed by the sharing of pairs of electrons; very strong bond

What is a Polar Covalent Bond?

Unequal sharing of electrons due to different electronegativities

What is a Nonpolar Covalent Bond?

Equal sharing of electrons due to equal electronegativities

What are Hydrogen Bonds?

Formed by intermolecular bonds between positive and negative ends of a polar molecule; very weak bond

What is an Ion?

An atom that gains or loses electrons, therefore carries an electrical charge

What are Cations?

Positively charged ions

What are Anions?

Negatively charged ions

What are Electrolytes?

Particles that will disassociate in water and are capable of conducting an electrical current

What is a Catalyst?

Speeds up the rate of a chemical reaction

What is an Enzyme?

A protein that performs the role of a catalyst

What are Anabolic Reactions?

When two or more atoms, ions, or molecules combine to form new and larger molecules; store energy

What are Catabolic Reactions?

When larger molecules are split up into smaller atoms, ions, or molecules; release energy

What are Oxidation-Reduction Reactions?

Oxidation is the loss of electrons; reduction is the gain of electrons

What are the Functions of Water?

Universal solvent, temperature regulator, lubricant, helps chemical reactions, protection

Define Solute.

What is being dissolved

Define Solvent.

Solution that solute is dissolved in

What is Concentration/Osmolality?

Amount of solute dissolved in a solvent

Define Acid.

Electrolyte that disassociates into hydrogen ion (H+)

Define Base.

Electrolyte that combines with H+ and eliminates it

What is the pH Scale?

Used to measure the acidity or alkalinity, ranges from 0 to 14

What pH level is considered acidic?

pH less than 7

What pH level is considered neutral?

pH 7

What pH level is considered alkaline?

pH more than 7

What is the Normal pH of the blood?

7.35 - 7.45

What are the Types of Organic Compounds?

Carbohydrates, Lipids, Proteins, Nucleic Acids, Adenosine Triphosphate

What are Carbohydrates?

Sugars, starches, cellulose, and glycogen; main source of energy (ATP)

What are the three groups of Carbohydrates?

Monosaccharides, Disaccharides, Polysaccharides

What are Lipids?

Fatty Acids, Triglycerides, Phospholipids, Steroids

What are Proteins?

Complex compounds largely responsible for body tissues; amino acids are the building blocks

What are Nucleic Acids comprised of?

Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) and Ribonucleic Acid (RNA)

What is Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP)?

Provides energy to all living cells