Biology Unit 2: Biochemistry Part One

Element

Can’t be broken down into smaller substances

Atom

Smallest unit of element which still has defining properties

Molecule

2+ atoms covalently bonded

Compound

2+ elements chemically bonded

Ion

Charged particles (gain/lost electrons)

Ionic bond

Electrons donated between charges particles (large EN difference)

Covalent bond

Electrons shared between elements

Energy

Flows one direction

Matter

Cycles

Precipitation

Water falls from clouds

Evaporation

Water into gas

Condensation

Gas into water inside clouds

Transpiration

Water from plant leaves into gas

Groundwater

Water stored in rocks/soil

Surface runoff

Non-evaporated water flows into nearby bodies of water

Watershed

The ground which surface water leaves

Photosynthesis

Carbon from atmosphere goes into plants

Respiration

Carbon from organism goes into the atmosphere

Combustion

Carbon from burning fossil fuels goes into atmosphere

Decomposition

Carbon from organism remains goes into atmosphere

Greenhouse effect

Too much carbon in atmosphere = rising water levels and ocean acidification

Polarity of water

H+ and O- atoms, large EN differences causes…

Water is a universal solvent

Polarity makes water dissolve other substances easily

Water had H-bonding

VERY strong IMFs between O and H atoms, responsible for adhesion and cohesion

Water cohesion

Water/water attractions

Water Adhesion

Water/other stuff attractions

Surface tension of water

Allows it to hold up bugs, due to strong IMFs

Capillarity of water

Water rises in tube with small diameters, ex. tree roots

Water specific heat capacity

Waters in VERY large, meaning it’s doesn’t change temperature easily, helps bodily cells maintain homeostasis

Amphipathic

One polar end and one nonpolar end, interacts with both, ex. soap