Chapter 02 The Molecules of Life

Flashcards covering key concepts from Chapter 02, including elements, atoms, bonds, chemical reactions, and biological molecules.

Martinus Beijerinck

A microbiologist from the Netherlands who isolated nitrogen-fixing microorganisms called rhizobia.

Elements

Substances that consist of only one type of atom and cannot be chemically separated into simpler parts.

Atomic Structure

Composed of protons and neutrons in the nucleus, surrounded by electrons in an electron cloud.

Covalent Bonds

Chemical bonds formed when atoms share electrons.

Ionic Bonds

Chemical bonds that form due to the attraction between ions of opposite charges.

Hydrogen Bonds

Weak bonds formed when a hydrogen atom in a polar molecule is attracted to an electronegative atom in the same or another polar molecule.

Molarity (M)

The number of moles of solute dissolved in 1 liter of solution.

Chemical Reactions

Processes that involve the making and breaking of bonds, transforming reactants into products.

Oxidation-Reduction (redox) Reactions

Reactions in which electrons are transferred between reactants, leading to one being oxidized and the other reduced.

Enzymes

Biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions by positioning reactants for optimal bonding.

Polymers

Macromolecules made by joining together smaller subunits called monomers.

Amino Acids

Organic compounds that serve as the building blocks of proteins.

Peptide Bonds

Covalent bonds that link amino acids together in proteins.

DNA

Deoxyribonucleic acid, a molecule that carries genetic information and is double-stranded.

ATP

Adenosine triphosphate, the energy currency of the cell.

Nucleobases

The components of nucleotides in nucleic acids, including adenine, guanine, cytosine, thymine, and uracil.

Buffer

A chemical that helps maintain a relatively constant pH of a solution.