Biology and Chemistry Review: Carbon, Chemical Reactions, and Properties of Water

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering the characteristics of carbon, functional groups, isomers, chemical reactions, pH, historical organic chemistry concepts, redox reactions, and the properties of water.

Carbon

The $6^{\text{th}}$ smallest atom that is lightweight, can form $4$ covalent bonds (both polar and nonpolar), and allows for complex structures and complex functions.

Functional Groups

Two or more atoms joined together with distinct properties or characteristics that affect the substances they are bonded to.

Methyl

A nonpolar and hydrophobic functional group denoted as $\text{-CH}_3$.

Carboxyl

A polar and acidic functional group denoted as $\text{-COOH}$.

Hydroxyl

A polar functional group denoted as $\text{-OH}$.

Phosphate

A polar and negatively charged functional group denoted as $\text{-PO}_4$.

Amino Group

A polar functional group denoted as $\text{-NH}_2$ that acts alkaline.

Isomers

Molecules with identical molecular formulas but different structures and characteristics or properties.

Structural Isomers

Molecules with the same molecular formula but different bonding relationships.

Stereoisomers

Molecules with the same molecular formula where the spatial positioning of atoms or functional groups is different.

Enantiomers

A type of stereoisomer that exists as mirror images, such as L and R glucose.

Geometric Isomers

Stereoisomers that differ in spatial orientation, categorized as cis or trans.

Dehydration Reactions

Reactions that remove a water molecule to link small molecules together to form polymers.

Hydrolysis

The addition of a water molecule to break large molecules into smaller ones.

pH

The proportion or measure of $H^+$ concentration in a solution based on log base $10$, where $7$ is neutral, $6.99$ is acidic, and $7.01$ is alkaline.

Acids

Chemical substances that release $H^+$ (such as $HCl \rightarrow H^+$) and have the highest $H^+$ concentrations and lowest pH values.

Bases

Chemical substances that receive or absorb $H^+$ (such as $H^+ + NaOH$).

Buffers

A weak acid and a weak base that limit fluctuations in pH to prevent extremes and maintain homeostasis.

Organic Chemistry

The study of carbon-containing compounds, which are found in high amounts in the living world.

Vitalism

The belief that living things possess a special life force responsible for processes like reproduction, urine, and sweat.

Wohler

The 'myth buster' and father of organic chemistry who synthesized urea from ammonia and cyanic acid (ammonium cyanate).

Taxol

An anti-cancer substance derived from the bark of the Pacific Yews.

Redox Reactions

Reactions in which one or more substances are oxidized while others are reduced.

Oxidation

The process in which a substance loses at least one electron, loses a hydrogen ($H$), and its charge rises (such as $-1 \rightarrow +1$ or $0 \rightarrow +1$).

Reduction

The process in which a substance gains at least one electron, receives hydrogen ($H$), gains energy, and its charge drops (such as $+2 \rightarrow -1$).

Molarity

A measure of solute concentration in a solution, defined as moles of solute per liter of solution.

Solute

The substance being dissolved in a solution, present in a smaller amount.

Solvent

The dissolving agent (such as water) present in the larger amount in a solution.

Colligative Properties of Water

Properties such as boiling point and freezing point that are affected by solute concentration; boiling point rises while freezing point decreases with increasing solute concentration or molarity.

Cohesion

The property of water molecules sticking to themselves.

Adhesion

The property of water molecules sticking to other substances.