Chemical Basis for Life Flashcards
What is matter?
Anything that occupies space and has mass
What is matter composed of?
Elements
What is the smallest unit of an element that retains the unique properties of the element?
Atom
What is the atom composed of?
Protons, Neutrons, Electrons
What type of charge do protons carry?
Positive
What type of charge do neurons carry?
None
What type of charge do electrons carry?
Negative
What is the formula for atomic weight?
Protons + Neutrons
How many electrons can the first electron shell contain?
Two
How many electrons can the second electron shell contain?
Eight
What is an ion?
An atom that has gained/lost an electron
What is the term used for two or more atoms joined together by a chemical bond?
Molecule
What is the term used for a type of molecule with two different elements?
Compound
What type of bond happens when electrons are transferred from one atom to another?
Ionic Bond
What type of bond happens when electrons are shared between atoms?
Covalent Bond
What is the universal solvent?
Water
What is the term used for mineral compounds that have ionic bonds?
Salts
Describe electrolytes.
Have an electrical charge & Ionize in water
Ionically bonded substances that release hydrogen ions (H+) in water are known as what?
Acids
Ionically bonded substances that either release a hydroxyl ion (OH-) in water, or retain a H+ are known as what?
Bases
Bases are also known as what?
Alkaline
What two numbers are the range of the pH scale?
1 - 14
Which number is considered neutral on the pH scale?
7
On the pH scale. which number represents the most acidic chemicals?
1
On the pH scale, which number represents the most alkaline chemicals?
14
On the pH scale, what is the average blood pH of a healthy animal?
7.4
What is the function of lipids?
Used in the body for energy and stored in fat for future energy needs
What are the four classes of lipids?
Neutral fats, Phosopholipids, Steroids, Eicosanoids
Lipids that take the form of four interlocking hydrocarbon rings are known as what?
Steroids
Lipids formed from a 20-carbon fatty acid and a ring structure are known as what?
Eicosanoids
What do prostaglandins (eicosanoids) mediate?
Inflammation
What does thromboxane (eicosanoids) mediate?
Platelet Function
What do leukotrienes (eicosanoids) mediate?
Bronchoconstriction/Increase mucous production
What is the most abundant molecule in the body?
Protein
What are proteins made of?
Amino Acids
What proteins act as catalysts to speed up a chemical reaction without themselves being altered or destroyed?
Enzymes
What are the largest molecules of the body?
Nucleic Acids
What are the two classes of nucleic acids?
DNA, RNA
Where can nucleic acids be found?
Nucleus, Mitochondria
What are the segments found in DNA called?
Genes
What is a chromosome?
Long Chain of Genes
What molecule contains all the instructions needed by the cell to build a protein?
DNA
What molecule carries the instruction out of the nucleus to build proteins?
RNA
What are the three types of RNA?
Transfer (tRNA), Messenger (mRNA), Ribosomal (rRNA)
What is adenosine triphosphate (ATP)?
Actual Energy of the Cell
What type of charge does an anion atom have?
Negative
What type of charge does a cation atom have?
Positive
What element is the primary component of organic molecules?
Carbon
What are the four most important electrolytes?
Calcium, Potassium, Sodium, Chloride
