Chapter 1-6: Chemistry of Life, Water, and Macromolecules

Flashcards covering key vocabulary from the provided lecture notes on the chemistry of life, water properties, and macromolecules.

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Chemistry of Life

The study of atoms and molecules, especially natural molecules, essential for biological processes.

Elements for Life

The approximately six elements most important for biological life, as opposed to all elements on the periodic table.

Subatomic Particles

Particles that make up an atom, which have charges that allow them to bond with each other.

Proton

A positively charged subatomic particle found in the nucleus of an atom.

Neutron

A subatomic particle with no charge, found in the nucleus of an atom.

Electron

A negatively charged subatomic particle that forms the electron cloud outside the nucleus.

Nucleus (of an atom)

The central part of an atom, composed of protons and neutrons.

Electron Cloud

The area outside the nucleus where electrons are found.

Atoms

The most basic forms of an element.

Molecules

Formed when atoms are put together.

Chemical Compound

An association of different atoms joined by chemical bonds.

Covalent Bonds

Chemical bonds where electrons are shared between atoms.

Ionic Bonds

Chemical bonds involving the transfer of electrons, creating oppositely charged ions that attract each other.

Polarity

A condition describing the uneven distribution of electronegative charge within a molecule.

Nonpolar Molecule

A molecule with an evenly distributed charge, often resulting in a net zero charge.

Polar Covalent Water Molecule

A water molecule with a positive (hydrogen) side and a more negative (oxygen) side due to uneven electron sharing.

Van der Waals Interactions

Nonpolar molecule interactions, not true bonds, that temporarily bring molecules close together.

Hydrogen Bonds

Temporary attractions between hydrogen atoms of one water molecule and the more negative side of another water molecule; not true bonds.

Cation

A positively charged ion, formed when an atom loses an electron.

Anion

A negatively charged ion, formed when an atom gains an electron.

Ions

Atoms or molecules that have a net electrical charge due to the gain or loss of electrons.

Water's Density Property

Solid water (ice) is less dense than liquid water, allowing ice to float.

Water as a Solvent

Water's polarity makes it an effective solvent, capable of dissolving many other compounds like sugars and salts.

High Heat Capacity (of Water)

Water's ability to absorb and release large amounts of heat energy before changing its state, helping regulate temperatures (e.g., in oceans).

Cohesion

The attractive force between molecules of the same substance, causing them to stick together (e.g., water droplets).

Adhesion

The attractive force between molecules of different substances, allowing them to stick to other molecules.

Water Droplets

Small, rounded masses of water held together by cohesive forces, as seen on a leaf or a penny.

Sugar Transport in Blood Plasma

A process facilitated by water's polarity, where water molecules surround and dissolve sugar, allowing it to be transported.

Carbon Bonds

Carbon's ability to form four strong bonds with other atoms, including double or triple bonds, due to its small size and electron cloud.

Macromolecules

Large, complex molecules (like carbohydrates, lipids, proteins) often built from smaller repeating units.

Carbohydrates

Macromolecules primarily composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, serving as short-term energy sources and structural/signaling components in cells.

Lipids

Fats made up of carbon and hydrogen, including phospholipids.

Amphipathic

A property of phospholipids, meaning they have both hydrophobic (water-fearing) and hydrophilic (water-loving) parts.

Hydrophobic

'Water-fearing'; describes parts of a molecule that repel water.

Hydrophilic

'Water-loving'; describes parts of a molecule that attract water.

Cell Permeability

The ability of cell membranes (formed by amphipathic phospholipids) to be selective about what enters and exits the cell.

Proteins

Diverse macromolecules (tens of thousands in humans) that dictate body functions, processes, enzymatic reactions, and protection.

Primary Protein Structure

The specific linear sequence of amino acids in a polypeptide chain.

Polypeptide Chains

Chains formed by amino acids coming together.

Secondary Protein Structure

The folding of polypeptide chains into characteristic shapes (e.g., alpha-helices or beta-sheets).

Tertiary Protein Structure

The overall three-dimensional shape of a single polypeptide chain, often described as looking like 'noodles'.

Nucleotides

Monomers that covalently bond to form DNA and RNA polymers, consisting of a phosphate group, a sugar, and a base.

DNA and RNA Polymers

Chains formed by covalently bonded nucleotides, carrying genetic information.

Phosphate Group

A component of a nucleotide, along with a sugar and a base.