Definition: Matter makes up everything around us, including air, food, etc.
Characteristics: Matter has mass and occupies space.
Composition: Composed of elements, with each element having unique properties.
Elements: A total of 118 elements have been described, but fewer than 30 are commonly found in living cells.
Fundamental Principle: All matter is made up of tiny particles known as atoms.
Definition of Atom: The smallest component of an element that retains all chemical properties.
Types:
Protons: Positively charged particles (+ charge).
Neutrons: Particles with no charge.
Electrons: Negatively charged particles (- charge).
Atomic Identity: The number of protons in an atom defines the element.
Most Common Elements in Living Organisms:
Carbon (C)
Hydrogen (H)
Oxygen (O)
Nitrogen (N)
Phosphorous (P)
Sulfur (S)
All atoms of the same element have the same number of protons.
Different elements possess various properties, leading to noticeable patterns.
Molecule: A group of atoms that are bonded together.
Types of Molecules:
Same Element Molecules: Composed of atoms from the same element (e.g., diamond is made of carbon atoms).
Different Element Molecules: Made of atoms from different elements (e.g., water is made of hydrogen and oxygen atoms).
Properties: Different molecules have distinct properties, similar to those of atoms.
Levels of Biological Organization:
Atom: The smallest unit of matter.
Molecule: Made up of bonded atoms.
Cell: The basic unit of life.
Tissue: A group of cells working together.
Organ: Structures made of different tissues.
Organism: A living individual.
Population: Groups of the same species in a given area.
Community: Different populations living together.
Ecosystem: A community interacting with its environment.
Biosphere: The global ecological system integrating all living beings and their relationships.