The Chemistry of Life

These flashcards cover essential concepts from Chapter 2: The Chemistry of Life, including definitions, properties, and classifications in chemistry relevant to biological processes.

What is matter?

Matter is defined as anything that has mass and occupies space.

List the three states of matter.

Solid, liquid, or gas.

What does chemistry study?

Chemistry is the study of matter and its interactions.

Define atom.

An atom is the smallest unit of matter that retains its original properties, made up of subatomic particles.

What are the three basic forms of subatomic particles?

Protons, neutrons, and electrons.

Where are protons located and what charge do they carry?

Protons are found in the atomic nucleus and carry a positive charge.

What charge do neutrons carry?

Neutrons have no charge.

What charge do electrons carry?

Electrons have a negative charge.

What is the significance of an atom being electrically neutral?

It means the number of protons and electrons are equal, cancelling out their charges.

How many electrons can the first electron shell hold?

The first shell can hold 2 electrons.

What is an element?

An element is a substance that cannot be broken down into a simpler substance by chemical means.

What are the four major elements that make up the human body?

Hydrogen, oxygen, carbon, and nitrogen.

What is an isotope?

An isotope is an atom with the same atomic number and number of protons but a different mass number and number of neutrons.

What is a mixture?

A mixture is when atoms of two or more elements are physically intermixed without changing their chemical nature.

Describe a suspension.

A suspension is a mixture with large, unevenly distributed particles that will settle out when left undisturbed.

What is a colloid?

Colloids contain small, evenly distributed particles that will not settle out.

What is a solution?

A solution contains small, evenly distributed particles that will not settle out, with a solute dissolved in a solvent.

Define molecule.

A molecule is formed by the chemical bonding between two or more atoms of the same element.

What is a compound?

A compound is formed when two or more atoms from different elements are combined by chemical bonding.

What do valence electrons determine?

Valence electrons determine how an atom interacts with other atoms and whether it will form bonds.

What does the octet rule state?

An atom is most stable when it has eight electrons in its valence shell.

What is a cation?

A cation is a positively charged ion formed when a metal loses one or more electrons.

What is an anion?

An anion is a negatively charged ion formed when a nonmetal gains one or more electrons.

What are covalent bonds?

Covalent bonds are formed when two or more nonmetals share electrons.

What is the difference between polar and nonpolar covalent bonds?

Polar covalent bonds result in unequal sharing of electrons, while nonpolar covalent bonds result in equal sharing.

Define hydrogen bond.

A hydrogen bond is a weak attraction between the partially positive end of one dipole and the partially negative end of another dipole.

What is the pH scale?

The pH scale ranges from 0-14 and indicates the hydrogen ion concentration of a solution.

What is a buffer?

A buffer is a chemical system that resists changes in pH, preventing large swings when acids or bases are added.

What is dehydration synthesis?

Dehydration synthesis is an anabolic reaction that links monomers to form a polymer, producing a molecule of water.

What are the basic monomers of proteins?

The basic monomers of proteins are amino acids.

Define denaturation of protein.

Denaturation is the process of destroying a protein's shape, disrupting hydrogen bonding and ionic interactions.

What are nucleotides?

Nucleotides are the monomers of nucleic acids, consisting of a nitrogenous base, a pentose sugar, and a phosphate group.

What role does ATP play in the body?

ATP is the main source of chemical energy in the body, providing energy for various processes.