1.1_Chemistry_in_Living_Systems_

Biochemistry

The branch of science dealing with the properties of biological molecules and the chemical processes that occur within living organisms.

Electronegativity

A measure of an atom's ability to attract a shared electron pair in a bond.

Hydrophilic Interactions

Interactions between polar molecules that form hydrogen bonds with water.

Hydrophobic Interactions

Interactions where non-polar molecules clump together in the presence of polar molecules.

Atomic Number

The number of protons in the nucleus of an atom, which also equals the number of electrons in a neutral atom.

Radioisotope

An unstable isotope that undergoes nuclear decay over time by emitting radiation.

Half-life

The time taken for one half of the nuclei in a sample to decay.

Covalent Bond

A bond formed when two atoms share valence electrons.

Ionic Bond

A bond that forms between a metal and a non-metal, where electrons are transferred leading to the formation of ions.

Functional Groups

Specific groups of atoms within molecules that have distinct chemical properties and dictate their function.

Polar Molecule

A molecule that contains polar bonds and has an unequal distribution of charge, making it hydrophilic.

Non-polar Molecule

A molecule that has non-polar covalent bonds or polar covalent bonds with an equal distribution of charge, making it hydrophobic.

Intramolecular Forces

Forces that hold the atoms within a molecule together.

Intermolecular Forces

Forces of attraction that exist between molecules, including hydrogen bonds, dipole-dipole interactions, and London dispersion forces.

Isotope

Atoms of the same element that have the same number of protons but a different number of neutrons.

Valence Electrons

The outermost electrons of an atom that can interact and chemically combine to form compounds.

Crystal Lattice

A structure formed by ionic compounds in which ions are arranged in a repeating three-dimensional pattern.

Hydrogen Bonding

The attraction between the slightly positive hydrogen end of a water molecule and the negative end of another molecule; the strongest of intermolecular forces.

Molecular Formula

A representation that shows the number of each type of atom in a molecule.

Structural Formula

A representation that shows how different atoms are bonded together in a molecule.