Unit 1: Chemistry of Life (copy)

Elements

Substances that cannot be broken down into simpler substances by chemical means.

Trace Elements

Elements required by an organism only in very small quantities, such as iron (Fe), iodine (I), and copper (Cu).

Isotopes

Atoms with the same number of protons but differing in the number of neutrons in the nucleus.

Ionic Bond

A bond formed between two atoms when one or more electrons are transferred from one atom to the other.

Covalent Bond

A bond formed when electrons are shared between atoms.

Hydrogen Bonds

Weak chemical bonds that form when a hydrogen atom covalently bonded to one atom is attracted to another atom.

Capillary Action

The ability of water to rise up the roots, trunks, and branches of trees due to cohesion and adhesion.

Acidic Solution

A solution containing a lot of hydrogen ions (H+).

Basic Solution

A solution that releases hydroxide ions (OH-) when added to water.

pH Scale

A scale that measures the acidity or alkalinity of a solution, ranging from 1 (very acidic) to 14 (very basic), with 7 being neutral.

Polymers

Chains of building blocks in macromolecules.

Monomers

The individual building blocks of a polymer.

Dehydration Synthesis

A reaction that forms polymers by losing a water molecule.

Hydrolysis

A reaction that breaks down polymers into monomers by the addition of water.

Macromolecules

Large molecules essential for life, including carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids.

Monosaccharides

The simplest form of carbohydrates, functioning as an energy source for cells.

Disaccharides

Carbohydrates formed from two monosaccharides, connected by a glycosidic linkage.

Polysaccharides

Carbohydrates made up of many repeated units of monosaccharides.

Glycogen

A sugar storage molecule in animals.

Cellulose

A polysaccharide that forms the cell walls in plants and provides structural support.

Proteins

Organic compounds essential for the structure, function, and regulation of the body's tissues and organs.

Amino Acids

Building blocks of proteins, consisting of a central carbon, an amino group, a carboxyl group, and an R-group.

Peptide Bond

The bond formed between two amino acids.

Dipeptide

A compound formed from two linked amino acids.

Polypeptide

A chain of amino acids that forms a protein when it folds into a specific 3D structure.

Fatty Acids

Building blocks of lipids that can be saturated or unsaturated depending on the presence of double bonds.

Triglycerides

Lipids made of a glycerol molecule and three fatty acid chains.

Phospholipids

Lipids that contain two fatty acid tails and one negatively charged phosphate head, important for cell membranes.

Cholesterol

A four-ringed molecule found in membranes that increases fluidity and aids in hormone production.

Nucleic Acids

Molecules made up of nucleotides, including DNA and RNA, that contain hereditary information.