Chemical and Cellular Organisation of the Body

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts from the lecture on chemical and cellular organization of the body.

Atom

The basic unit of a chemical element, consisting of a nucleus surrounded by electrons.

Molecule

A group of two or more atoms bonded together through chemical bonds.

Compound

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

Ionic Bond

A type of chemical bond formed through the transfer of electrons from one atom to another, resulting in the attraction between oppositely charged ions.

Covalent Bond

A type of chemical bond where two atoms share one or more pairs of electrons.

Polar Covalent Bond

A type of covalent bond where electrons are shared unequally, resulting in partial positive and negative charges on the bonded atoms.

Nonpolar Covalent Bond

A type of covalent bond where electrons are shared equally between two atoms, resulting in no charge separation.

Hydrogen Bond

A weak attraction between a partially positive hydrogen atom of one molecule and a partially negative atom of another molecule.

Metabolism

All chemical reactions that occur within an organism to maintain life.

Kinetic Energy

The energy of an object in motion, derived from its movement.

Potential Energy

Stored energy that can be converted into kinetic energy to perform work.

Synthesis Reaction

A type of chemical reaction in which two or more reactants combine to form a single product.

Decomposition Reaction

A type of chemical reaction where a single compound breaks down into simpler products.

Exchange Reaction

A type of chemical reaction where bonds are both made and broken; involves the trade of elements between compounds.

Acid

A chemical compound that donates protons (H+) in a solution.

Base

A chemical compound that can accept protons or donate hydroxide ions (OH−) in a solution.

pH Scale

A measure of acidity or alkalinity of a solution, ranging from 0 (acid) to 14 (base), with 7 being neutral.

Electrolytes

Ionic compounds that are soluble in water and dissociate into ions which can conduct electricity.

Hydrophilic

Substances that are attracted to water and can easily dissolve in it.

Hydrophobic

Substances that repel water and do not dissolve in it.

Carbohydrates

Organic compounds composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, and are primary energy sources for the body.

Proteins

Large organic molecules composed of amino acids that play various roles in the body, including structural, enzymatic, and transport functions.

Nucleic Acids

Biopolymers essential for all known forms of life, DNA and RNA being the main types.

Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP)

The primary energy carrier in living organisms, crucial for energy transfer and storage.

Transcription

The process of copying a segment of DNA into messenger RNA (mRNA).

Translation

The process of assembling a protein from the mRNA template at the ribosome.