The Chemistry of Life

These flashcards cover key concepts from the Chemistry of Life chapter, including definitions of important terms related to atoms, elements, chemical bonds, and biomolecules.

Matter

Anything that has mass and occupies space.

Atom

The smallest unit of matter that still retains its original properties.

Element

A substance composed of one or more identical atoms; cannot be broken down into simpler substances by chemical means.

Proton

A positively charged particle that resides in the atomic nucleus.

Neutron

An uncharged particle that resides in the atomic nucleus.

Electron

A negatively charged particle that surrounds the atomic nucleus.

Atomic Number

The number of protons in the atomic nucleus defining an element.

Isotope

An atom with the same number of protons but different number of neutrons.

Radioisotope

An unstable isotope that releases energy as radiation.

Chemical Bond

An energy relationship or attractive force between atoms.

Ionic Bond

A bond formed by the transfer of electrons between a metal atom and a nonmetal atom.

Cation

A positively charged ion.

Anion

A negatively charged ion.

Covalent Bond

A bond formed when electrons are shared between two or more nonmetal atoms.

Hydrogen Bond

A weak attraction between partially positive and partially negative atoms in polar covalent molecules.

pH Scale

A scale that represents the hydrogen ion concentration in a solution.

Acid

A substance that donates hydrogen ions in a solution.

Base

A substance that accepts hydrogen ions in a solution.

Buffer

A chemical system that resists changes in pH.

Hydrocarbon

An organic compound containing only carbon and hydrogen.

Monomer

A single subunit that can be combined to build larger structures.

Polymer

A larger structure consisting of many monomers linked together.

Nucleotide

The monomer of nucleic acids, composed of a nitrogenous base, a five-carbon sugar, and a phosphate group.

DNA

Deoxyribonucleic acid; the genetic material that stores information.

RNA

Ribonucleic acid; responsible for executing the genetic code.

Amino Acid

The monomer of proteins; there are 21 different amino acids.

Enzyme

A biological catalyst that speeds up chemical reactions.