Enviromental Chemistry

Organic Compound

Organic Compound

A compound that contains carbon

inorganic compounds

Compounds that do not contain carbon

Micronutrients

required in small amounts- vitamins and minerals

Macronutrients

A chemical substance that an organism must obtain in relatively large amounts- carbs, proteins, fats

Acids

compounds that form hydrogen ions (H+) when dissolved in water

Bases

release hydroxide ions (OH-)

3 examples of acids

lemon, vinegar, oranges

3 examples of bases

baking soda, milk, ammonia, bleach

pH range of acids

0 most acidic to 6 least acidic

pH range of bases

8 least basic to 14 most basic

Blue litmus paper turns red

Acid

neutralization reaction

the reaction of an acid and a base to form a neutral solution

(water and "salt")

Acid rain is caused by

burning fossil fuels, air pollution, water pollution

acid rain effects

kills trees and plants; wears away stone buildings and statues; leaches harmful metals

Liming

treat (soil or water) with lime to reduce acidity

Red litmus paper turns blue

base

Diffusion

Movement of molecules from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration.

Osmosis

diffusion of water across a selectively permeable membrane

active transport

Energy-requiring process that moves material across a cell membrane against a concentration difference( low to high concentration)

Carbohydrates

the starches and sugars present in foods

Lipids

Energy-rich organic compounds, such as fats, oils, and waxes, that are made of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen.

Proteins

Nutrients the body uses to build and maintain its cells and tissues

nucleic acids

make up DNA and RNA

nitrogen fixation

process of converting nitrogen gas into nitrogen compounds that plants can absorb and use

Transpiration

Evaporation of water from the leaves of a plant

Condensation

The change of state from a gas to a liquid

Evaporation

The change of a substance from a liquid to a gas

Precipitation

Any form of water that falls from clouds and reaches Earth's surface. (rain, snow, sleet, or hail)

inhaling

breathing in

Ingestion

eating and drinking. nutrients are broken up physically and chemically in the body.

Hydrolysis

the chemical breakdown of a compound due to reaction with water.

substrate

surface on which an organism lives