Unit 1, Chemistry of Life

Covalent Bonds

Bonds where electrons are shared between two atoms.

Nonpolar Covalent Bonds

Covalent bonds where electrons are shared equally.

Polar Covalent Bonds

Covalent bonds where electrons are shared unequally.

Ionic Bonds

Bonds formed when electrons are transferred from one atom to another.

Hydrogen Bonds

Weak chemical bonds between an electronegative atom and a hydrogen atom.

Hydrophilic

Substances that are water-loving and can form hydrogen bonds.

Hydrophobic

Substances that are water-fearing and do not dissolve in water.

Specific Heat of Water

Water requires a lot of energy to break hydrogen bonds, which helps resist temperature change.

Heat of Vaporization of Water

A large amount of energy is needed for water to change from liquid to gas, leading to evaporative cooling.

Surface Tension of Water

The cohesive force at the surface of water due to hydrogen bonds, making it difficult to break.

Ice Floats

Ice is less dense than liquid water due to the formation of a 'crystal lattice' structure.

Hydrocarbon

A chain of carbon atoms surrounded by hydrogen atoms, serving as the backbone of organic molecules.

Functional Groups

Groups of atoms that attach to the carbon skeleton of an organic molecule, giving it specific properties.

Dehydration Synthesis

A reaction where monomers combine to form polymers, releasing water molecules in the process.

Hydrolysis

A reaction where a polymer is split into monomers by the addition of water.

Monosaccharide

The simplest form of carbohydrates, which can join to form polysaccharides.

Polysaccharide

A polymer made up of many monosaccharides linked together.

Glycosidic Bond

The bond formed between monosaccharides to create polysaccharides.

Triglyceride

A type of lipid formed from glycerol and three fatty acids.

Phospholipid

A lipid consisting of glycerol, two fatty acids, and a phosphate group.

Peptide Bond

The bond formed between amino acids to create a polypeptide chain.

Nucleotide

The monomer of nucleic acids, consisting of a sugar, phosphate group, and nitrogenous base.

Antiparallel

Referring to the opposite direction of the two strands of DNA.

Primary Protein Structure

The sequence of amino acids in a polypeptide chain.

Secondary Protein Structure

The folding of the polypeptide chain into repeating patterns due to hydrogen bonding.

Tertiary Protein Structure

The three-dimensional structure of a protein formed by interactions among side chains.

Quaternary Protein Structure

A protein structure consisting of more than one polypeptide chain.