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Atom
The basic unit of matter, consisting of a dense nucleus of protons and neutrons surrounded by electrons.
Protons
Subatomic particles that determine the atomic number of an element.
Electrons
Negatively charged particles that occupy defined shells around the nucleus and dictate an atom's reactivity.
Isotopes
Atoms of the same element with different numbers of neutrons.
Radioisotopes
Unstable isotopes that decay over time and emit radiation.
Covalent Bonds
Bonds formed when atoms share pairs of electrons to fill their outer shells.
Electronegativity
A measure of an atom's ability to attract shared electrons, leading to polar molecules.
Ionic Bonds
Bonds formed when one atom donates an electron to another, resulting in charged ions that attract each other.
Hydrogen Bonds
Weak bonds formed between a hydrogen atom covalently bonded to one electronegative atom and another electronegative atom.
Van der Waals Forces
Weak, non-specific attractions between molecules in close proximity.
Hydrophobic Interactions
The tendency of non-polar molecules to avoid interactions with polar substances like water.
Acids
Substances that act as proton (H+) donors.
Bases
Substances that act as proton acceptors.
pH Scale
A logarithmic scale measuring the concentration of H+ ions in a solution.
Buffering Systems
Biological systems that maintain stable pH levels essential for proper cellular function.
What are the fundamental properties of matter in biology?
Atoms and elements, chemical bonds, and molecular interactions.
What is the role of carbon in biological molecules?
Carbon can form four covalent bonds, which is essential for the complexity of biomolecules.
What is the significance of the bicarbonate buffering system?
It helps maintain blood pH around 7.4.
What causes water to have a neutral pH of 7?
Pure water can ionize to form equal concentrations of H+ and OH- ions.
