Chapter 1 - Chemistry of Life Flashcards

You may prefer our related Brainscape-certified flashcards:
1
Q

what is the level of organization of all living organisms, smallest to largest?

A

subatomic particles -> atoms -> elements -> molecules -> macromolecules -> cells -> tissues -> organs -> organ systems -> organisms

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

example of subatomic particles?

A

p+ (proton), e- (electron), n^0 (neutron)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

example of an atom?

A

oxygen (0)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

example of an element?

A

oxygen (0) ->

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

example of an molecule?

A

dioxide (o2)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

example of a macromolecule?

A

lipid, phospholipid

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

what is an element?

A

(a pure substance containing only one type of atom)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

what is a molecule?

A

2+ atoms covalently bonded together -> Ex.) oxygen

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

what is a macromolecule?

A

a large, carbon-based molecule within a cell (living)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

example of a cell?

A

blood cell, clara cell

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

where in the level of organization does life begin?

A

cells

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

example of tissue?

A

epithelial tissue

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

example of organ?

A

lung

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

example of an organ system?

A

respiratory system

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

example of an organism?

A

homosapien, panthera leo (lion)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

what are the six elements necessary for life? (What is the acronym for these elements?

A

chonps -> carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus, sulfur

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

what is an electron?

A

an electron is a negatively charged high energy particle with little or no mass. they travel at very high speeds in different energy levels. energy levels are different distances from the nucleus.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

(covalent bond def.)

A

a chemical bond (atoms joined together) between 2+ non-metal atoms (do not have properties of metals). almost all of the substances that make up organisms from lipids to nucleic acids to water, are molecules held together by covalent bonds.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

what is a compound?

A

2 elements bonded together -> ex.) H2O for water and NaCl for sodium chloride

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

what happens when the ratio of atoms change in a compound?

A

when the ratio of elements in a compound changes, the physical and chemical properties change too. ex.) H2O vs. H2O2 = water vs. hydrogen peroxide

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

are molecules compounds? are compounds molecules?

A

a molecule is a type of compound. all molecules are compounds, but all compounds are not molecules. ex.) molecules = H2O, O2, O3 -> compounds = NaCl, H2O

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

How does the structure of an atom and it’s subatomic particles look?

A

Protons and neutrons remain in the nucleus. Rapidly moving electrons form a negatively charged “cloud” around the nucleus.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

How are electrons distributed throughout the “cloud”?

A

Based on differing level of energy and attraction levels called electron shells. Electrons in shells near the nucleus are held more tightly than those shells that are farther than the nucleus.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

Why is hydrogen so reactive?

A

Because 2 electrons can fit in that shell, and hydrogen has room for one more, only having 1 electron.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
Q

Do atoms have an electric charge?

A

Every atom has an equal number of protons and neutrons, which balances it out so an atom has no electric charge.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
26
Q

How do atoms undergo chemical change?

A

Atoms can undergo chemical change by gaining, losing, or sharing 1 or more electons with other atoms,

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
27
Q

What tendency does an atom wil unfilled shells have?

A

Atoms with unfilled shells have a strong tendency to lose or gain electrons to fill their outer shells.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
28
Q

Do atoms of different elements differ in their number of each subatomic particle?

A

Atoms of different elements differ in their number of electrons, protons, and neutrons.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
29
Q

Do atoms of the same elements differ in their number of each subatomic particle?

A

Atoms of the same element have the same number of protons and electrons, but may differ in their number of neutrons.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
30
Q

What are isotopes?

A

Isotopes are atoms of the same element that differ in their number of neutrons. Ex.) Oxygen-17, an isotope with 8 protons and 9 neutrons.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
31
Q

What is a radioisotope?

A

Some isotopes have an unstable atomic nuclei that break down, releasing radiation energy. They help determine some to the chemical reactions organisms carry out.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
32
Q

What is used to hold together compounds?

A

Molecular “glue” is used to hold together compunds. Shared electrons located in the space between the two nuclei are called bonding electrons. The bonded pair is the “glue” that holds the atoms together in molecular units.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
33
Q

What are valence electrons?

A

Valence electrons are involved in bonding- they are the electrons on the outer most energy level.- Can be gained or lost during a chemical reaction.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
34
Q

When are atoms most stable.

A

Atoms are most stable when their outer most energy level is filled.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
35
Q

WHat are chemical bonds?

A

Attraction, sharing, or transferring outer shell electrons from one atom to another.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
36
Q

What are chemical reactions?

A

Involves the making and breaking of chemical bondsm substances interact and form new bonds and new substances.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
37
Q

What part of an atom is involved during a chemical change?

A

Only outer shell electrons are involved when atoms react during a chemical change.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
38
Q

What influences does the outer most electrons have?

A

They react during chemical changes, are a reliable of the reactivity if an atom, but the entire structure if the atom also influences chemical reactions.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
39
Q

What holds atoms together?

A

Atoms are held together by chemical bonds.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
40
Q

What is the goal of chemical bonds?

A

To fill the outer electron shell so atoms bond together to get a full outer shell.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
41
Q

What are the 3 main types of bonds?

A

Ionic bonds, covalent bonds, and hydrogen bonds.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
42
Q

What are covalent bonds?

A

Covalent bonds are formed when 2 atoms share one or more pairs of electrons, forming molecules. Between two non metals.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
43
Q

What are Ionic Bonds?

A

Formed when one or more electrons are transferred from metals or nonmetals. Atoms lose or gain electrons. If an atom loses electrons, it becomes positively charged, if an atom gains electrons, it becomes negatively charged.

44
Q

What is an ion? Whats an example?

A

An atom that has gained or lost electrons. Ex.) Salt = NaCl

45
Q

What is water made up of?

A

1 atom of oxygen and 2 atoms of hydrogen held together by covalent bonds (H20).

46
Q

What kind of molecule is water?

A

Water is a polar molecule, unequal distribution of charges. One side is more positive, one side is more negative. When water molecules are close, their opposite sides are attracted to each other because of polarity.

47
Q

What is a polar molecule?

A

Unequal distribution of charges. One side is more positive, one side is more negative [dissolves in water] For example, water.

48
Q

What is a nonpolar molecule?

A

No separation of charge, so no positive or negative poles are formed. They do not dissolve in water. Ex.) Co2P2, lipids.

49
Q

How are hydrogen bonds between water molecules formed?

A

Polar water molecules can be attracted to each other. The hydrogen atom with it’s partial positive charge is attracted to the oxygen atom with it’s partial negative charge of a different water molecule. This is known as a hydrogen bond.

50
Q

What are hydrogen bonds?

A

Hydrogen bonds happen between polar molecules. Covalent bonds internally hold a water molecule together. Different water molecules are held together by a very weak hydrogen bond.

51
Q

What are 5 characteristics of water?

A
  1. Cohesion. 2. Adhesion. 3. High Specific Heat. 4. Less dense as a solid. 5. Water is a terrific solvent.
52
Q

Why is cohesion a characteristic of water?

A

Cohesion is the attraction between molecules of the same substance. (water) There’s a tendency of molecules of the same “kind” to stick together. This causes high surface tension.

53
Q

Why is Adhesion a characteristic of water?

A

Adhesion is the type of attraction that happens between two different molecules. For example, grass, soil, plant tissue, cotton, etc.)

54
Q

What trait differs adhesion from cohesion?

A

Adhesion forms stronger bonds than cohesion. For example, Meniscus forming on a graduated cylinder (the curve formed by the water at the top), and capillary action in plants, trees, and with straws too! (pulling of water -> adhesion to the surface causing gravity to not work against it.)

55
Q

Water and high surface tension???

A

Surface tension is the measure of force required to stretch or break the surface of a liquid. Water has a higher surface tension because hydrogen bonds between molecules resist stretching or breaking.

56
Q

Why is High Specific Heat a characteristic of water?

A

The temperature of water does not increase or decrease easily. Water has to increase more heat energy to increase overall temp. compared to other compounds. => Helps to regulate cell temps. in organisms. It does NOT fluctuate much, allowing life to life underwater by buffering large changes in the temperature.

57
Q

Why is Low Density in Solid Form a characteristic of water?

A

Solid water (ice) is less dense than liquid water, therefore, it floats in liquid water. Since ice floats in water, Life can exist under frozen surfaces of lakes and polar seas.

58
Q

Why is Water as a Solvent a characteristic of water?

A

Water is a universal solvent because it is good at it, being a polar molecule, it’s able to dissolve polar solutes easily. The polarity and hydrogen-bonding ability of water makes it an excellent solvent for polar molecules => water greatly weakens electrostatic forces between ionic and polar molecules by competing for their attraction ( NaCl-> Na+ is attracted to negative and Cl- is attracted to positive.)

59
Q

What is a Solution?

A

A solution is a mixture of substances, and looks the same throughout. It is made up of a solvent and a solute. => A uniform (homogeneous) mixture of 2 or more substances.

60
Q

What is a Solute?

A

What gets dissolved.

61
Q

What is a solvent?

A

Does the dissolving.

62
Q

What is a Hydrophillic substance?

A

A Hydrophillic substance has an affinity for water = water “loving”. These substances dissolve in water. Ex.) Sugar and Salt.

63
Q

What is a Hydrophobic substance?

A

Does not have an affinity for water => water “fearing”. Does NOT dissolve in water. Ex.) Oil.

64
Q

What are macromolecules?

A

A large, organic molecule (meaning they contain carbon), used for most functions in living things.

65
Q

What are macromolecules and what are their building blocks.

A

They’re polymers, and are made from monomers.

66
Q

What is a polymer?

A

A complex structure made from monomers. (ex. think Brick House)

67
Q

What is a monomer?

A

A small, basic unit. (Ex. think brick)

68
Q

What are the 4 types of macromolecules?

A

Carbohydrates, Lipids, Proteins, and Nucleic acids.

69
Q

What are the building blocks for lipids? What are their main function?

A

Fatty acids and glycerol. Main function is long-term energy storage.

70
Q

What are other uses of fatty acids and glycerol (building blocks for lipids)?

A

Other uses = cushioning organs, insulation, hormones, cell membrane.

71
Q

What are fatty acids and glycerol (building blocks of lipids) found in? What are they made up of?

A

Made up of = Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen. Found in = Fats, oils, phospholipids (in cell membranes), steroids.

72
Q

What are the monomers of lipids?

A

Fatty acids and glycerol.

73
Q

What are the polymers of lipids?

A

Fats, oils, phospholipids, steroids, and hormones.

74
Q

How are lipids used for energy storage?

A

When your body runs out of carbs, it will then break down lipids to get energy.

75
Q

What are phospholipids?

A

Lipids in cell membranes. These membranes are found making up the cell or the plasma membrane.

76
Q

What is the structure of a phospholipid?

A

2 fatty acids, a phosphate, and a glycerol. The phosphate group is hydrophilic, while the fatty acid group is hydrophobic.

77
Q

What are the building blocks of Carbohydrates? What is their main function?

A

Simple sugars (monosaccarides). Main function = short-term energy

78
Q

What are other uses of monosaccarides (building blocks of carbohydrates)? What are monosaccarides found in and what are they made up of?

A

Other uses = structure/support. Found in = Sugar and starch- ex.) bread, pasta, fruit, and veggies. Made up = Carbon, Hydrogen, and Oxygen.

79
Q

What are the monomers for carbs?

A

Monosaccarides

80
Q

What are the polymers for carbs?

A

Polysaccarides

81
Q

What are the 2 types of carbohydrates?

A

Monosaccarides and polysaccarides. Monosaccarides are single sugar molecules. Ex.) Glucose (main fuel for cell) and Galascrose (milk), fructose (fruit). Polysaccarides are large molecules formed by monosaccarides. Ex.) Starch - Glycogen (how animals store sugar), Cellulose - type of starch for support and sugar storage in plants.

82
Q

What are the building blocks of proteins?

A

Anmino Acids, which is the most diverse and abundant macromolecule (making up 50% of cells’ biomass)- they literally RUN your body.

83
Q

What are the 6 functions of proteins and amino acids?

A
  1. Enzymes - control the rate of chemical reactions.
  2. Hormones - regulate cell processes. Ex.) Insulin.
  3. Form bones and muscles. Ex.) Collagen.
  4. Transports substances in and out of cells. Ex.) Hemoglobin.
  5. Antibodies - Helps fight diseases.
  6. Food source. Ex.) Casein in milk.
84
Q

What are amino acids (building blocks of proteins) found in? What are they made up of?

A

FOund in = meats, nuts, Greek yogurt, etc. Made of= Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen, Nitrogen. [ Examples in your body include hemoglobin and insulin

85
Q

What are the monomers of protein?

A

Amino acids

86
Q

What are the polymers of protein?

A

Polypeptide (amino acids are linked together by a peptide bond)

87
Q

What is the importance of folding in proteins?

A

Form dictates function: The shape of the protein determines what it does.

88
Q

What are the building blocks of nucleic acids? What is their main function? What are they made up of?

A

Nucleotides. Main function: Store and transmit hereditary or genetic information. Ex.) DNA + RNA. You get them from your parents, not your food! Made from: Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen, Nitrogen, Phosphorus.

89
Q

What are the monomers in Nucleic Acids? What is the 3 elements in their structure?

A

Nucleotides: Ex.) A, G, T, C, and U. They’re made up of 1 5-carbon sugar, phosphate, and a nitrogen base.

90
Q

What are the polymers in a Nucleic Acid?

A

Nucleic Acid. Ex.) DNA A T; G C and RNA A U; G C

91
Q

Who were Nucleic Acids discovered by?

A

Discovered by Watson and Crick; based on Rosalind Franklin (and Maurice WIlliams.)

92
Q

How many helix figures are in DNA?

A

1

93
Q

How many helix figures are in RNA?

A

2

94
Q

WHERe is DNA located?

A

Nucleus

95
Q

Where is RNA located?

A

Nucleus and Cytosol

96
Q

What sugar is DNA made up of?

A

Deoxyribose

97
Q

What sugar is RNA made up of?

A

Ribose

98
Q

Purine def.

A

Double ring, Adenine + Guanine

99
Q

Pyrimidines def.

A

SIngle ring, Thymine + Cytosine -> DNA, Cytosine + Urasil -> RNA

100
Q

What is the process of building polymers called? What happens in this process?

A

Dehydration reaction. To build a polymer, we must link monomers. Ex.) 2 monosaccarides ( glucose + fructose ) - 1 dissasaccaride (sucrose). We remove a water molecule to link monomers with a covalent bond.

101
Q

What is the process of breaking polymers called? What happens in this process?

A

Hydrolysis. Opposite of Dehydration Reaction. Breaks big polymers into smaller monomers. Water is added- water forces its way in and breaks bonds.

102
Q

Def. Of Hydrolysis

A

Hydrolysis - Monomers are released by the addition of a water molecule, adding OH to one monomer and H to the other

103
Q

Def. Of Dehydration Synthesis

A

Dehydration Synthesis - monomers are joined by removal of OH from one monomer and removal of H from the other at the site of bond formation.

104
Q

What are the bases in DNA?

A

Adenine, Thymine, Guanine, Cytosine

105
Q

Parts of an Amino Acid

A

amino group, side chain, and carboxal group

106
Q

Who were nucelic acids discover by?

A

James Watson and Francais Crick.