Chemical Basis of Life: Anatomy and Physiology I

Vocabulary flashcards derived from the lecture notes covering foundational concepts in the Chemical Basis of Life.

Chemistry

The study of the composition of substances and how they change.

Homeostasis

The result of chemical balance in the body.

Atom

The smallest particle of an element that retains the properties of that element.

Element

The simplest type of matter, consisting of atoms with the same number of protons.

Isotope

Atoms with the same atomic number but different atomic weights.

Cation

A positively charged ion formed when an atom loses electrons.

Anion

A negatively charged ion formed when an atom gains electrons.

Molecule

Particles formed when two or more atoms chemically combine.

Compound

A substance formed when two or more different elements chemically combine.

Ionic bond

A chemical bond formed through the transfer of electrons from one atom to another.

Covalent bond

A bond formed when two atoms share electrons.

Acid

Electrolytes that dissociate to release hydrogen ions in water.

Base

Substances that release ions which can combine with hydrogen ions.

Electrolytes

Substances that release ions in water and are essential for various bodily functions.

pH scale

A scale used to measure the acidity or basicity of a solution.

Carbohydrates

Organic compounds that serve as the main source of cellular energy.

Lipids

Insoluble organic compounds that are important components of cell membranes.

Proteins

Large molecules made of amino acids that perform various functions in the body.

Nucleic acids

Biomolecules essential for the storage and transmission of genetic information.

ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate)

The primary energy carrier in cells.