Components of life 1.2 vocab August 12, 2024

Biology for Ms massey

Atom

the smallest portion of an element found in the periodic chart; examples include carbon

Biomolecule

an organic molecule produced by a living organism

Chemical bond

a connection made between atoms when electrons are attracted

Condensation reaction (dehydration synthesis)

a chemical reaction that combines smaller molecules and forms water as a byproduct; the reaction is often used to form polymers

Covalent bond

a chemical bond formed when elements share electrons

Hydrolysis reaction

a chemical reaction between water and another molecule that breaks down the molecule into simpler molecules; that reaction splits a water molecule to break apart a polymer into monomers

Inorganic molecule

a molecule that is not organic; most (but not all) do not include carbon; examples include water (H2O)

Ion

an electrically charged "atom" that has either gained or last electrons

Ionic bond

a chemical bond formed when elements transfer (donate or accept) electrons

Macromolecules (macronutrients)

the large biomolecules that make up living organisms; include proteins

Molecule

a chemical combination of two or more atoms that forms a separate substance; for example

Monomer

a small molecule that may be chemically conned to other like molecules to form a polymer

Organic molecules

carbon-containing molecules that are generally associated with living organisms

Polymerization

the chemical process of combining monomers to form a polymer; often uses condensation reactions

Polymer

a long chain of monomers (small, repeating molecules)