The Chemical Context of Life: Lecture Notes Review

This collection of flashcards covers key terms and concepts related to the chemical context of life, as discussed in the lecture notes.

Atom

The smallest unit of an element, consisting of a nucleus of protons and neutrons, surrounded by electrons.

Covalent Bond

A type of bond formed when two atoms share one or more pairs of electrons.

Ionic Bond

A chemical bond formed between two ions with opposite charges due to the transfer of electrons.

Polar Bond

A covalent bond in which electrons are not shared equally between the two atoms, resulting in partial charges.

Hydrogen Bond

A weak attraction between a hydrogen atom bonded to an electronegative atom and another electronegative atom.

Electronegativity

A measure of the tendency of an atom to attract a bonding pair of electrons.

pH Scale

A logarithmic scale used to measure the acidity or basicity of a solution, based on the concentration of hydrogen ions.

Solvent

A substance that dissolves a solute, resulting in a solution; water is a common solvent due to its polarity.

Hydrophilic

Substances or molecules that are attracted to water and can interact with it; they tend to be polar.

Hydrophobic

Substances that repel water and do not mix with it; they are typically nonpolar.

Cohesion

The property of water molecules to stick together due to hydrogen bonding, contributing to surface tension.

Adhesion

The property of water molecules to stick to other surfaces or substances, often due to hydrogen bonding.

Acid Rain

Rain with a pH lower than 5.6, often caused by industrial pollutants that form sulfuric and nitric acids.

Trace Elements

Elements required by organisms in minute quantities, such as iron, zinc, and selenium.

Biological Molecule

Molecules that are essential for life, including carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.

Specific Heat

The amount of heat required to change the temperature of a substance; water has a high specific heat, moderating temperature.