Biochemistry Flashcards
Everything in the universe is composed of matter which is defined as?
▫ Anything that has mass and volume
▫ Is composed of chemical elements
How many elements does the human body usually contain?
26
Define the structure of an atom
Atoms are made up of three subatomic particles:
- Protons
- Electrons
- Neutrons
Explain atomic stability and reactivity
- An atom is stable if it’s valence shell is full
- An atom is unstable and reactive if the valence shell is not full
- An unstable atom reacts with other atoms to try to fill its valence shell
Describe how an ion is formed
Ions (charged particles) are formed when atoms gain, lose or share elections, resulting in the creation of compounds and molecules
Atoms that carry an electrical charge are called?
Ions
There are two types of ions, what are they?
- Anion
- Cation
Define anion
A negatively-charged atom that has more electrons than protons
Define cation
A positively-charged atom that has more protons than electrons
Why is reactivity essential for life?
Atoms are constantly changing and bonding with others to form molecules and compounds which makes life possible
List the types of chemical bonds
- Ionic
- Hydrogen
- Covalent
Explain ionic bonds
Bonds that are held together by electrical attraction
between cations and anions form between ions and produce an ionic compound
Explain covalent bonds
- They are formed when atoms share electrons
- They are the strongest and most common bond in the body
- Are mostly single or double covalent bonds in biological organisms
Define single covalent bonds
Sharing of two electrons
Define double covalent bonds
Sharing of four electrons
Define non-polar covalent bonds
The equal sharing of electrons
Define polar covalent bonds
The unequal sharing of electrons
What is the functions of hydrogen bonds?
- Influence 2D & 3D protein shape
- Link water molecules and create surface tension in water
- Hold DNA bases together
Explain how atoms share electrons to create covalent bonds
Atoms share electrons to complete their valence shell making them more stable in doing so
