Chemical Basis of Life Flashcards
What 6 types of atoms make up 99% of all organisms’ mass?
Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen, Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Sulphur
What is a covalent bond?
A bond formed by the sharing of electrons between two non-metals. Covalent bonds are found in most biochemical compounds
What is a polar covalent bond?
This bond is created when there is an unequal sharing of electrons between atoms in a covalent bond. This is due to the ability of different atoms to attract electrons towards themselves.
What is an example of a polar covalent bond? which atom is more electronegative therefore attracting more electrons?
Oxygen is more electronegative when bonded with hydrogen, therefore electrons spend more time around the oxygen atom.
What is a hydrogen bond?
This bond is created when there are partial charges within molecules.
What is an example of a hydrogen bond?
Within water molecules, the partially positive hydrogen is attracted to the partially negative oxygen from a nearby molecule.