1.1 - Introduction to biological molecules Flashcards
What is Covalent Bonding?
Atoms share a pair of electrons in their outer shells. As a result the outer shell of both atoms is filled and a more stable compound, called a molecule, is formed.
`What is Ionic Bonding?
Ions with opposite charges attract each other. This electrostatic attraction is known as an ionic bond.
E.g - Na⁺ + Cl⁻ = NaCl
What is Hydrogen Bonding?
The electrons within a molecule are not evenly distributed but tend to spend more time at one position. This region is more negatively charged than the rest of the molecule. A molecule with an uneven distribution of charge is said to be polarised. A weak electrostatic bond is formed.
What is polymerisation?
Molecules called monomers can be linked to form long chains called polymers. This process is called polymerisation.
What are condensation reactions?
Chemical process in which two molecules combine to form a more complex one with the elimination of a simple substance, usually water. Many biological polymers, such as polysaccharides, are formed by condensation.
What are hydrolysis reactions?
The breaking down of large molecules into smaller ones by the addition of water molecules.
What is metabolism?
All the chemical processes that take place in living organisms are collectively called metabolism.
What is a mole?
The mole is the SI unit for measuring the amount of substance and is abbreviated to mol.
How many particles are in a mole?
One mole contains the same number of particles as there are in 12g of carbon-12 atoms (¹²C).
= 6.022 x 10²³ (Avogadros number)
What is a Molar Solution?
A molar solution is a solution that contains one mole of solute in each litre of solution.
What are atoms?
Atoms are the smallest units of a chemical element that can exist independently.
What are the three sub-atomic particles in an atom?
- Proton
- Neutron
- Electron
What is the atomic number?
The number of protons in an atom.
What is the mass number?
The total number of protons and neutrons in an atom.
What are isotopes?
variations of a chemical element that
have the same number of protons and electrons
but different numbers of neutrons. While their chemical properties are similar they differ in mass.
