Chapter 2: The Chemistry of Life
Components of Matter
Atoms: Single elemental units that make up elements.
Covalent Bonding
Involves sharing of electron pairs.
Nonpolar vs. Polar Covalent Bonds: differentiate based on electron sharing.
Multiple covalent bonds may exist between atoms.
Hydrogen Bonding
Essential for properties like surface tension in water.
Solvent: Fluid in which substances dissolve; in the human body, water is the solvent.
Solute: Substance that is dissolved; can be hydrophilic or hydrophobic.
Solution: Resulting mixture of solute in solvent.
Ionic Molecules: Formed when electrons are transferred.
Polar Covalent Molecules: Unequal sharing of electrons.
Nonpolar Covalent Compounds: Equal sharing of electrons.
Potential Energy: Energy stored in chemical bonds.
Kinetic Energy: Energy of motion.
Anabolic/Synthesis/Endergonic: A + B → AB
Catabolic/Breakdown/Exergonic: AB → A + B
Exchange Reaction: AB + CD → AC + BD
The energy required for a reaction to occur and the effect of enzymes.
Enzymes lower activation energy.
Enzyme-Substrate Interaction: Specific binding between enzymes and substrates.
pH: Measure of hydrogen ion concentration; affects biological functions.
Negative logarithmic scale: [H+]; each increment indicates a 10x change (e.g., 1 increment = 10x, 2 increments = 100x).
Monosaccharides: Simple sugars.
Disaccharides: Two monosaccharides linked.
Polysaccharides: Chains of monosaccharides.
Monomers: Building blocks are amino acids.