Log Dog

Matter

Anything that has mass and takes up space; made up of atoms.

Atom

The smallest unit of matter that retains the properties of an element.

Protons (p+)

Positively charged subatomic particles found in the nucleus.

Neutrons (n0)

Subatomic particles with no charge, found in the nucleus.

Electrons (e−)

Negatively charged subatomic particles found in the electron cloud surrounding the nucleus.

Nucleus

The dense center of an atom containing protons and neutrons.

Atomic Number

The number of protons in an atom, which identifies the element.

Atomic Mass (Mass Number)

The total number of protons and neutrons in an atom.

Isotopes

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.

Chemical Bond

An attraction between atoms that allows them to form compounds.

Ionic Bonds

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

Covalent Bonds

Bonds formed by sharing electrons between atoms.

Hydrogen Bonds

Weak attractions between polar molecules, important in water and DNA.

Molecule

Two or more atoms held together by covalent bonds.

Compound

A substance made of two or more different elements chemically combined.

Chemical Formula

A representation that shows the number and type of atoms in a molecule (e.g., H2O, CO2).

Polar Molecule

A molecule with a slight positive charge on one end and a slight negative charge on the other due to uneven electron distribution.

Cohesion

The property of water molecules sticking to each other.

Adhesion

The property of water sticking to other substances.

Specific Heat

The ability of water to resist temperature changes.

Hydrophilic

Substances that are attracted to water and can dissolve in it.

Monomer

A small unit that can join together to form larger molecules (polymers).

Carbohydrates

A macromolecule that serves as a primary source of quick energy for cells.

Lipids

Macromolecules used for long-term energy storage and make up cell membranes.

Proteins

Macromolecules that serve various roles including structure, enzymes, and transport.

Nucleic Acids

Macromolecules that store and transmit genetic information.

DNA

Deoxyribonucleic Acid; stores genetic information.

RNA

Ribonucleic Acid; helps build proteins from genetic code.

Polysaccharides

Complex carbohydrates made of long chains of monosaccharides.

Monosaccharides

Simple sugars that are the building blocks of carbohydrates.

Phospholipids

Lipids that form the cell membrane.

Steroids

A type of lipid that acts as chemical messengers in the body.

Glycerol

A component of lipids that combines with fatty acids.

Fatty Acids

Long hydrocarbon chains that combine with glycerol to form fats.

Cellulose

A polysaccharide that provides structural support in plant cell walls.

Glycogen

A polysaccharide that serves as energy storage in animals.

Hydrogen Bonding

Weak interactions important in water and between DNA strands.

Chemical Equation

A representation of a chemical reaction showing the reactants and products.

Hydroxyl Group

A functional group (-OH) found in alcohols and sugars.

Functional Groups

Specific groups of atoms that confer specific chemical properties to organic molecules.

Molecular Formula

An expression that shows the number of each type of atom in a molecule.