Define atomic charge
- Electrons are negative (-)
Define Ion
Particles with a net charge
Major elements in biology
O (65%), C (18%), H (10%), N (3%),
- P, Ca, Na, K, and Cl make up 4%
Define element
A substance that cannot be split into simpler substances by ordinary chemical means
Define molecule
Assembly of atoms held together by chemical bonds
Two types of chemical bonds
2. Ionic bond
Define covalent bonds
‘share’ electrons
Define ionic bonds
transfer of electrons between a metal and nonmetal that forms an anion or cation
Types of covlent bonds
Non-polar - ‘equal sharing
Polar - ‘unequal’ sharing
Hydrogen bonds
- Stabilize structures
Energy flow in reactions
- Making bonds releases energy
Define metabolism
The result of cell manipulation of the energy stored in chemical bonds
Two types of energy
2. Kinetic energy - energy of motion
Define catalyst
Compounds that make reactions go faster by reducing the amount of energy required to get them started
ex: enzymes
Define solution
mixture of two or more components
Solutes and Solvents
Solutes are mixed in a solvent
Define aqueous solution
When the solvent is water
Polarity of water
Water is a polar molecule, therefore it can only bond to other polar molecules
Define concentration
Amount of compound divided by Unit of volume
moles/liter
1 mole =
6 x 10^23 particles
Avogadro’s number
Define pH
A number expressing the acidity or alkalinity of a solution on a logarithmic scale
Define buffers
Systems that maintain the pH level in the body by donating or picking up H+ ions
“H+ sponge”
Define organic compounds
A molecule that contains carbon
Examples of Organic Compounds