2025 - Week 1 Workshop Slidedeck FINAL

Explore Ebola Virus

• Discussion point: Why is the Ebola virus not considered alive?

• Reference image from CDC noting its threat.

Page 20: Reasoning for Ebola Virus

• Characteristics of Ebola virus:

  • Not complex: lacks cell structure and membrane

  • Cannot respond to stimuli.

Page 21: Audience Questions

• Interactive segment for audience inquiries.

Page 22: Energy Fundamentals

• Vital concept: All living organisms require energy for survival.

• Energy source: Derived from chemical bonds.

Page 23: Chemistry of Life

• Elements are made of atoms.

• Different atoms combine to create molecules linked by chemical bonds.

Page 24: Periodic Table Patterns

1. Number of electrons in valence shell.

2. Number of electron shells.

3. Trends in electronegativity.

Page 25: Periodic Table Patterns (Continued)

• Reiteration of periodic trends, including increasing electronegativity.

Page 26: Periodic Table Patterns (Continued)

• More emphasis on the increasing pattern of electronegativity.

Page 27: Noble Gases Exception

• Noble Gases have low electronegativity due to full valence shells.

Page 28: Types of Bonds

• Classification of bonds:

  • Intramolecular bonds: exist within molecules.

  • Intermolecular bonds: exist between molecules.

Page 29: Types of Intramolecular Bonds

• Determined by electronegativity:

  1. Covalent bonds (non-polar): Electrons shared equally.

  2. Polar covalent bonds: Unequal sharing of electrons.

  3. Ionic bonds: Exchange of electrons between atoms.

Page 30: Bond Types Quiz

• Interactive question regarding bond type characterization.

Page 31: Calcium Chloride Bond Type

• Inquiry on the type of bond formed by calcium chloride.

Page 32: Bond Types Comparison

• Assessment of different bond types.

Page 33: Determining Polarity

• Criteria for a molecule to be polar:

  1. Contains polar bonds.

  2. Non-symmetrical arrangement of atoms/charges.

Page 34: Questioning Chemistry Relevance

• Provocative engagement about the relevance of chemistry.

Page 35: Chemical Bonds and Interactions

• Definition of molecular behaviors based on bond types:

  • Non-polar molecules do not dissolve in water.

  • Polar molecules dissolve easily; might need protein channels for movement.

  • Ionic compounds disassociate in water and impact concentration gradients.

Page 36: Solubility Determinants

• Molecules need to form hydrogen bonds with water for solubility.

• Example of glucose interactions with water.

Page 37: Importance of Polarity

1. Solubility in water differs for polar/non-polar molecules.

2. Enables hydrogen bond formation.

3. Affects cell membrane structure and molecular movement.

Page 38: RbfA Protein Illustration

• Representation of proteins:

  • How bonds affect structure: inter and intramolecular.

Page 39: Summary Points

1. Concepts defining life versus non-life.

2. Molecular anatomy:

• Elements and their atomic composition.

• Formation of molecules and reaction behavior in biological contexts.

Page 40: Upcoming Topics

• Next week’s focus: Macromolecules.

• Explore how chemical principles apply to larger biological molecules, such as proteins.