Chapter 2: Chemistry of Life Flashcards
What is a covalent bond?
When atoms share electrons to fill the outer electron shells.
What is a hydrogen bond?
A bond that forms between a hydrogen atom and an oxygen/nitrogen atom. (it is a weak bond; holds water molecules together)
What is adhesion?
When two different molecule substances stick together.
What is cohesion?
When the same molecule substances stick together
What is a hydrogen ion? What is a hydroxide ion?
When a water molecule (H2O) splits, one half is a hydrogen ion (H+). The other half is a hydroxide ion (OH-).
What is the pH scale?
The scale tracking how much H+ and OH- are in certain liquids.
What is neutral on the pH scale and why?
7 is neutral. It is neutral because there is an equal amount of H+ and OH- in it.
What is an acid?
An acid is when a liquid has more H+ in it than OH-. It also has a pH level of 1-6.
What is a base, or alkaline?
A base is when a liquid has more OH- than H+ in it. It also has a pH level of 8-14.
What is a buffer?
A buffer is a natural or manmade liquid to help keep a pH level the same. For example, living organisms have buffers in their bloodstream to help keep the blood’s pH the same.
What does homeostasis mean?
Homeostasis is a term used when describing a stable internal environment. Basically, it means “the same”.
What are CHONPS?
The most important major elements in living things: Carbon Hydrogen Oxygen Nitrogen Phosphorus Sulfer
What determines the pH level in organisms?
The amount of hydrogen and hydroxide ions.
True/False: Carbon is the most important element in living things.
True. Carbon is the most important, followed closely by Hydrogen and Nitrogen.
What are the four major organic compounds?
Carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids, and proteins.
What is an ionic bond?
When atoms transfer electrons so both have full outer electron shells.
A _______ molecule has a carbon backbone and is found in all living things.
-Organic- molecule.
What is another term for a lipid?
Fat(s).
What atoms are carbohydrates made out of?
C, H, O. (in a 1:2:1 ratio)
What function do carbs provide?
Provides “quick” energy.
What are the building blocks of carbohydrates?
Simple carbs/single sugars/monosaccharides
What do you have if you have two single sugars?
Disaccharide.
What do you have if there are multiple single sugars?
Polysaccharide.
What atoms are lipids made out of?
C, H, O (in no specific ratio)
