Biology: The Core - The Chemistry of Life

These flashcards cover key concepts and terminology from the lecture on the chemistry of life, including matter, elements, atoms, and biological macromolecules.

Matter

Occupies space and has mass.

Isotope

Different forms of the same element with the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons.

Valence Shell

The outermost shell of an atom that determines its chemical properties.

Ionic Bonding

The attraction between oppositely charged ions.

Covalent Bond

A bond formed when two atoms share electrons.

Polar Molecule

A molecule with regions of positive and negative charge due to uneven electron sharing.

Hydrophilic

Substances that readily dissolve in water.

Hydrophobic

Substances that do not dissolve in water.

pH

A measure of acidity or alkalinity of a solution.

Buffer

A substance that minimizes changes in pH.

Carbohydrate

Organic compounds made of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, primarily used for energy.

Lipid

Fats that are nonpolar and do not mix with water.

Protein

A molecule composed of amino acids that performs various functions in the body.

Nucleotide

A nucleotide is a basic unit that forms nucleic acids like DNA and RNA. It consists of three parts: a phosphate group, a sugar, and a nitrogenous base.

Enzyme

A protein that speeds up the rate of a chemical reaction without being consumed.