The Chemistry of Life

Flashcards covering key vocabulary related to the chemistry of life, focusing on elements, atoms, molecules, bonds, and biological molecules.

Element

A substance that cannot be broken down by chemical means into other substances.

Atomic number

Indicates how many protons are in each atom of an element.

Mass number

The total number of protons and neutrons in an atom's nucleus.

Isotope

Different forms of the same element, differing in the number of neutrons.

Covalent bond

A chemical bond formed when two atoms share electrons.

Ionic bond

A bond formed when one atom completely transfers an electron to another, resulting in oppositely charged ions.

Hydrogen bond

A weak bond formed between a slightly positive hydrogen atom and a slightly negative atom in another molecule.

Hydrophilic

Substances that dissolve well in water; 'water-loving'.

Hydrophobic

Substances that do not dissolve well in water; 'water-fearing'.

pH scale

A measure of the concentration of H+ ions in a solution, indicating acidity or basicity.

Dehydration synthesis

A chemical reaction in which two molecules join to form a larger molecule and release a water molecule.

Hydrolysis

A chemical reaction that breaks down a compound by adding water.

Monomer

A single unit of a larger molecule, forming polymers.

Polymer

A large molecule made up of repeating structural units (monomers).

Carbohydrates

Organic molecules composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, serving as a primary energy source.

Proteins

Large biomolecules made up of amino acids that perform a variety of functions in living organisms.

Lipids

Hydrophobic organic molecules that include fats, oils, and steroids.

Nucleic acids

Biopolymers essential for all known forms of life, including DNA and RNA.