Biochemistry Flashcards
Atom
The basic unit of a chemical element
Molecule
A group of atoms bonded together, representing the smallest fundamental unit of a chemical compound that can take part in a chemical reaction
Element
An object made up of one kind of atom
Ion
An atom or a group of atoms that has acquired a net electric charge by gaining or losing one or more electrons.
Atomic number
The number of protons in the nucleus of an atom, which determines the chemical properties of an element and its place in the periodic table
Ionic bond
Where one atom gives up an electron to another atom
Covalent bond
The sharing of electrons by two atoms forming a bond
Hydrogen bond
A hydrogen bond is the attractive interaction of a hydrogen atom with an electronegative atom, such as nitrogen, oxygen or fluorine, that comes from another molecule or chemical group.
Polar
Attracted to water
Nonpolar
Repels water
Cohesion
The acts, state, or process of sticking together
Surface tension
The tension of the surface film of a liquid caused by the attraction of the particles in the surface layer by the bulk of the liquid, which tends to minimize surface area
Adhesion
The force of attraction between unlike molecules
Capillary action
The process that makes water able to elevate through plants
Universal solvent
A substance able to dissolve all or a large variety of Substances
