Atoms & Molecules Lecture Notes

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary and definitions related to atoms, molecules, and their organizational levels relevant to the lecture.

Atoms

The smallest unit of an element that maintains the properties of that element.

Molecules

Two or more atoms bonded together, either of the same element or different elements.

Cells

The basic unit of structure and function in all living things, capable of existing and reproducing independently.

Tissues

Conglomerates of cells working together to perform a specific function.

Organ

A combination of tissues working together to perform a specific function within an organism.

Organ Systems

Groups of organs working together to perform complex functions in an organism.

Cell Theory

A scientific theory stating that all living things are composed of cells and that all cells arise from pre-existing cells.

Elements

Substances that cannot be broken down into simpler substances and consist of only one kind of atom.

Periodic Table

A tabular arrangement of elements organized by increasing atomic number and group properties.

Cation

A positively charged ion that has lost one or more electrons.

Anion

A negatively charged ion that has gained one or more electrons.

Isotope

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

Valence Electrons

Electrons in the outermost shell of an atom that participate in chemical bonding.

Ionic Bonds

Chemical bonds formed by the transfer of electrons from one atom to another.

Electronegativity

A measure of the attraction an atom has for bonding electrons.

Electron Affinity

The ability of an atom to accept an electron, quantified by the energy change during the addition of an electron to a neutral atom.

Macromolecules

Large complex molecules formed from smaller organic molecules, such as proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, and lipids.