EXAM 1- Chemistry

How do you determine an atom’s charge?

-protons determine positive charge

Electrons determine negative charge

What does atomic number tell you?

• the number of protons

What happens when an atom gains electrons?

• becomes negatively charged

What happens when an atom loses electrons?

• becomes positively charged

What forms an ionic bond?

• attraction btwn oppositely charged ions, typically after electron transfer btwn atoms

What is an acid?

• substance that donates H+ or increases H+ concentration in solution

What is a base?

• substance that accepts H+ or decreases H+ concentration

What are the 4 major classes of biological molecules?

• Carbohydrates

• Lipids

• Proteins

• Nucleic acids

What are carbohydrates mainly used for?

• energy & sometimes structural functions

What are lipids mainly used for?

• long term energy storage

• Membranes

• Insulation

• Signaling

What are proteins made of?

• amino acids

What are nucleic acids made of?

• nucleotides