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Chemistry
The study of the chemical and physical interactions of matter, involving about 100 different atoms that create the macroscopic world.
Atom
The basic unit of an element that can enter into chemical combinations; most originated with the birth of the universe.
Atomic Nucleus
The dense center of an atom containing protons and neutrons, accounting for almost all of the atomic mass.
Electron
A negatively charged subatomic particle that resides outside the nucleus and is involved in chemical bonding. Also determine chemical behavior.
Atomic Number (Z)
The number of protons in an atom, which determines the chemical identity of the element.
Mass Number (A)
The total number of protons and neutrons in an atom's nucleus.
Isotope
Atoms of the same element with the same atomic number but different mass numbers due to varying numbers of neutrons.
Valence Electrons
Electrons in the outermost shell of an atom that can participate in bond formation.
Compound
A substance formed when two or more elements combine in definite proportions, often with different properties from the individual elements.
Molecule
A molecular compound consisting of two or more atoms held together by chemical forces.
Ionic Compound
A compound formed from ions in a 3D network, held together by ionic bonds due to the attraction between oppositely charged ions.
van der Waals Forces
Weak attractions between molecules that arise from temporary charge separations due to electron movement.
Polar Molecule
A molecule with a charge separation, leading to slightly positive and negative regions, such as water.
Hydrogen Bond
active interaction between the hydrogen atom in a polar bond with oxygen, nitrogen, or fluorine and another oxygen nitrogen or fluorine atom
Cohesion
The attraction between molecules of the same substance, responsible for surface tension in liquids like water.
Adhesion
The attraction between molecules of different substances, which can be stronger than cohesion in some cases.
pH Scale
A scale that indicates the concentration of hydrogen ions (H+) in a solution, with each step representing a tenfold change.
Organic Chemistry
The study of compounds that contain carbon-to-carbon bonds, focusing on the six most abundant elements in living organisms.
Macromolecules
Large organic compounds found in living cells, formed from smaller molecules through polymerization; includes carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids, and proteins.
Amino Acid
The monomer of proteins, consisting of a central carbon atom, an amino group, a carboxyl group, and a variable side chain (R).
Peptide Bond
A covalent bond formed between two amino acids during protein synthesis.
Catalyst
A substance that speeds up a chemical reaction by lowering the activation energy required for the reaction to proceed.
Enzyme
A specific type of protein that acts as a catalyst in biological reactions, facilitating the conversion of substrates into products.
Endergonic Reaction
A reaction that requires energy input to proceed, resulting in a positive change in free energy (ΔG > 0).
lipids
Also known as fats, oils, & waxes. Mostly made from carbon & hydrogen. Cannot form (enough) hydrogen bonds therefore, insoluble in water
Active Site
The area on an enzyme where the substrates react. The environment is more favorable for a reaction.
Substrates
reactants in an enzyme
Protons
part of the nucleus determines atomic number has a positive charge
neutrons
part of the atomic nucleus, neutral charge, provide mass and stability
Core Electrons
Only 2 electrons in core
Covalent Bonds
When molecules share two or more electrons (double bond shares 4) (tripe bond shares 6)
ionic bonds
atoms donate or accept electrons to form ions
solubility of hydrogen bonding atoms
atoms that hydrogen bond mix and dissolve well in water
Heat Capacity
Water can absorb or release a large amount of energy with only a small change in temperature because it can form so many hydrogen bonds
Mixture
combination of two or more substances in which the substances retain their distinct identities
solution
type of mixture where all components are evenly distributed. The solute is dissolved in the solvent.
Suspension
movement of water molecules keep small particles suspended but not fully dissolved
Ionization of water
Water can ionize to form hydroxide ions (OH-) and hydrogen ions (H+). In pure water the concentration of hydroxide ions and hydrogen ions is equal.
acids
forms H+ in solution
base
forms OH- in solution
buffers
Weak acids or bases that help keep the pH stable. This is critical for homeostasis.Â
six most abundant elements in living things
carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur.
How many valence electrons and covalent bonds can hydrogen make
1 valence 1 covalent bond
How many valence electrons and covalent bonds can carbon make
4 valence, 4 covalent bonds
How many valence electrons and covalent bonds can nitrogen make
5 valence, 3 covalent bonds
How many valence electrons and covalent bonds can oxygen make
6 valence, 2 covalent
polymerization
when monomers join together to form polymers
monomer
one molecule in a polymer
polymer
many monomers connected to each other
dehydration synthesis
a water molecule is lost to combine two monomers
hydrolysis
a water molecule is added to split a polymer
carbohydrate
Also known as sugars & starches. Made from carbon, hydrogen, & oxygen, usually in a 1:2:1 ratio. (H - C - OH) It can form hydrogen bonds and, therefore, be soluble in water. Used for storing energy and providing structure
monosaccharide
monomer of a carbohydrate
polysaccharide
polymer of carbohydrates
Cellulose
main structural component of plants
Starch
main energy reserve in plants
Glycogen
functions as an energy reserve for animals
saturated lipids
have all carbon to carbon single bonds (solid at room temp)
unsaturated lipids
at least one carbon-to-carbon double bond (liquid at room temp)
what are nucleic acids made of
carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen & phosphorus
nucleic acids
Used for energy (ATP) & storing hereditary information
nucleotide
monomer of nucleic acid
nucleotide chemical structure
5-carbon sugar, Nitrogenous base, 1 to 3 phosphate groups (PO43-)
what are proteins made of
carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, & sulfur
polypeptide
string of amino acids
protein
polypeptide with a function
what are amino acids made of
amino group, side chain, carboxyl group
protein folding primary structure (1o)
amino acid sequence.
protein folding secondary (2o)
folds & coils due to the backbone forming hydrogen bonds.
protein folding tertiary (3o)
three-dimensional shape
protein folding quarternary (4o)
when a functional protein is made up of more than one polypeptide. Not all proteins have 4o structure
chemical reaction
one or more substances are rearranged into one or more new substances. Chemical bonds are broken and new bonds form. Atoms are not created or destroyed, simply reorganized
exergonic reaction
reaction that releases anergy
activation energy
energy input required for a reaction to proceed
what are the four types of macromolecules
carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids, proteins