Chemical Basis of Life

Question 1

What 6 types of atoms make up 99% of all organisms’ mass?

Answer 1

Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen, Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Sulphur

Question 2

What is a covalent bond?

Answer 2

A bond formed by the sharing of electrons between two non-metals. Covalent bonds are found in most biochemical compounds

Question 3

What is a polar covalent bond?

Answer 3

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.

Question 4

What is an example of a polar covalent bond? which atom is more electronegative therefore attracting more electrons?

Answer 4

Oxygen is more electronegative when bonded with hydrogen, therefore electrons spend more time around the oxygen atom.

Question 5

What is a hydrogen bond?

Answer 5

This bond is created when there are partial charges within molecules.

Question 6

What is an example of a hydrogen bond?

Answer 6

Within water molecules, the partially positive hydrogen is attracted to the partially negative oxygen from a nearby molecule.