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Biology 22 (General Zoology) > Chemical Basis of Life > Flashcards

Chemical Basis of Life Flashcards

1
Q

Smallest structural unit based on the levels of organization

A

Subatomic Particles

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2
Q

The three types of subatomic particles

A

1) Electrons; 2) Protons; and 3) Neutrons

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3
Q

Second smallest structural unit based on the levels of organization

A

Atoms

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4
Q

Third smallest structural unit based on the levels of organization

A

Molecules

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5
Q

What are formed by the complex combination/s of atoms?

A

Molecules

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6
Q

What are formed when molecules join together into even more elaborate units?

A

Complexes of Compounds

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7
Q

These are complexes of compounds that occur as microscopic or submicroscopic bodies in the living system.

A

Organelles

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8
Q

Organelles perform ____________.

A

Specific Functions

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9
Q

Why don’t organelles qualify as living units?

A

They do not satisfy all attributes/characteristics of life.

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10
Q

What are organelles composed of?

A

Organic and Inorganic Compounds

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11
Q

It is a specific combination of organelles; microscopic

A

Cell

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12
Q

Cells are organized complexly enough to contain all the necessary apparatus for the performance of ________ and ________.

A

Metabolism and Self-perpetuation

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13
Q

Represents the least elaborate structure that can be alive

A

Cell

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14
Q

“All life forms obey and are completely explained by the laws of ________ and ________.

A

Chemistry and Physics

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15
Q

This is anything that has mass and occupies space, and this may be living or non-living.

A

Matter

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16
Q

States that all matter is made up of atoms and atoms are composed of subatomic particles

A

Atomic Theory

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17
Q

Units of Matter

A

Atoms

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18
Q

In 1913, he proposed the structure of an atom and likened it to our solar system.

A

Neils Bohr

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19
Q

Three parts of an atom

A

1) Nucleus; 2) Electrons; and 3) Protons

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20
Q

A pure substance made up of one kind of atom that cannot be decomposed into simpler substances

A

Element

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21
Q

Six elements that play important roles in the phenomenon of life

A

1) Carbon; 2) Hydrogen; 3) Oxygen; 4) Nitrogen; 5) Sulfur; and 6) Phosphorus

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22
Q

The different shells in which the electrons of an atom are arranged reflect different ________.

A

Levels of Energy

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23
Q

How many electrons does the innermost shell of a filled or complete atom contain?

A

Two

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24
Q

How many electrons does the outermost shell of a filled or complete atom contain?

A

Eight

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25
Q

The chemical behavior of an atom depends largely on ________?

A

The number of electrons in its outermost shell

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26
Q

These are processes where atoms combine with other atoms or break apart from other atoms.

A

Chemical Reactions

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27
Q

These refer to two or more atoms combined in a reaction; atoms may be of the same kind or different

A

Molecules

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28
Q

A molecule containing at least two different kinds of atoms

A

Compound

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29
Q

These hold the atoms in a compound together.

A

Bonds

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30
Q

This is an attraction between an atom that has lost or gained electrons.

A

Ionic Bond

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31
Q

Atoms losing electrons

A

Cations

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32
Q

Atoms gaining electrons

A

Anions

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33
Q

This is a bond wherein two or more atoms share electrons.

A

Covalent Bond

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34
Q

Type of covalent bond with equal sharing

A

Non-polar

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35
Q

Type of covalent bond with unequal sharing

A

Polar

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36
Q

These are weak bonds formed between molecules due to the attraction between the partially positive end of a molecule and the partially negative end of another molecule.

A

Hydrogen Bonds

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37
Q

What is the relevance of hydrogen bonds to life?

A

They stabilize DNA and are essential to the capacity of DNA to reproduce itself and to form RNA.

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38
Q

These are molecules containing an atom with a single, unpaired electron in its outer shell.

A

Free Radicals

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39
Q

The reaction of free radicals with other molecules can produce a _______ and set off a _________.

A

Free Radical and Chain Reaction

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40
Q

These donate electrons to free radicals so that they may become stable.

A

Antioxidants

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41
Q

Synthesis reaction within the body

A

Anabolism

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42
Q

Decomposition reaction within the body

A

Catabolism

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43
Q

Reaction in which two or more atoms/ions/molecules combine to form new larger molecules

A

Synthesis Reaction

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44
Q

Reaction in which bonds are broken

A

Decomposition Reaction

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45
Q

Reaction that is partly synthesis and partly decomposition

A

Exchange Reaction

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46
Q

Reaction in which the end product can revert to the original combining molecules

A

Reverse Reaction

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47
Q

These are usually small, ionically bonded molecules that are vital for body functions; they do not contain the element carbon.

A

Inorganic Compounds

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48
Q

One of the most important and abundant substances in the body and the most abundant substance in the biosphere

A

Water

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49
Q

What is the polarity of water?

A

Polar

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50
Q

What is the molecular geometry of water?

A

Tetrahedral

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51
Q

Water “hating”

A

Hydrophobic

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52
Q

Water “loving”

A

Hydrophilic

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53
Q

Both water “hating” and “loving”

A

Amphiphatic

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54
Q

What are the four properties of water?

A

1) Cohesive Behavior; 2) Versatility as Solvent; 3) Stabilizes Temperature; and 4) Expansion Upon Freezing

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55
Q

What are the four functions of water?

A

1) Excellent solvent and suspension medium; 2) participant in many chemical reactions; 3) high specific heat; and 4) lubricant in various body regions

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56
Q

These are substances that dissociate hydrogen ions in solution; proton “donors”

A

Acids

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57
Q

These give off hydroxyl ion (-OH) in solution; proton “acceptors”

A

Bases

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58
Q

This is an indication of the degree of acidity or alkalinity of a solution based on the number of H+ in a solution.

A

pH

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59
Q

These are mechanisms that maintain homeostatic pH values in the body.

A

Buffer Systems

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60
Q

What is an essential function of buffer systems?

A

They react with strong acids and/or bases in the body yo replace them with weak acids and/or bases that can change normal pH values slightly.

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61
Q

These yield neither H+ nor OH- and do not affect the acidity or alkalinity of a solution, and are formed by reacting acids and bases.

62
Q

These are elements occurring in nature but needed in smaller amounts by the body.

A

Trace Elements

63
Q

The major element found in all organic molecules

64
Q

A major element found in all organic molecules and part of water

A

Hydrogen and Oxygen

65
Q

A major element in all proteins and nucleic acids

66
Q

Important element in some proteins

67
Q

Found in ATP molecule

A

Phosphorus

68
Q

Found in chlorophyll molecule as well as in some enzymes

69
Q

Essential for the creation of hormone thyroxin

70
Q

Hemoglobin structure of RBC

71
Q

Found in bone structures and needed in muscle contractions

72
Q

For movement of nerve impulses in animals

73
Q

For creation of digestive chemicals and also in photosynthesis

74
Q

For movement of nerve impulses in animals

75
Q

Compounds responsible for the living properties of cells

A

Organic Compounds

76
Q

What are the two principal bonds in organic compounds?

A

C-H and C-C

77
Q

What are the two unique features of a carbon element?

A

They are versatile and they can be joined into rings.

78
Q

How many covalent bonds can carbon form?

79
Q

What structures can carbon form?

A

Rings, Linear Chains, Branches, and 2D and 3D Structures

80
Q

These are molecules with the same molecular formula but different arrangements.

81
Q

What are the three types of isomers?

A

1) Structural Isomers; 2) Geometric Isomers; and 3) Enantionmers

82
Q

These are isomers that differ in covalent partners.

A

Structural Isomers

83
Q

These are isomers that differ in arrangement about a double bond (cis-trans).

A

Geometric Isomers

84
Q

These are isomers that differ in spatial arrangements around an asymmetric carbon.

A

Enantiomers

85
Q

Result of the arrangement of atoms in enantiomers

A

Molecules that are Mirror Images

86
Q

What are the four properties of organic compounds?

A

1) Many functions; 2) Large in size and don’t dissolve easily; 3) Held by covalent bonds and decompose easily; and 4) Carbon bonds are shorter

87
Q

What effect does having shorter C-C bonds have on a compound?

A

Increased stability at varying temperatures

88
Q

What effect does being held by covalent bonds and decomposing easily have on a compound?

A

They are good sources of energy.

89
Q

This type of biomolecule has a formula of Cx(H2O)y.

A

Carbohydrates

90
Q

Why are carbohydrates named as such?

A

They consist of C, H, and O.

91
Q

Simple Sugars

A

Monosaccharides

92
Q

Two monosaccharides combined in a reaction

A

Disaccharides

93
Q

Glucose + Glucose = ?

A

Maltose (Malt Sugar)

94
Q

Glucose + Fructose = ?

A

Sucrose (Cane Sugar)

95
Q

Glucose + Galactose = ?

A

Lactose (Milk Sugar)

96
Q

Two mechanisms by which disaccharides are formed

A

Condensation Reaction and Hydrolysis

97
Q

This is the mechanism by which disaccharides are formed by the removal of water.

A

Condensation Reaction

98
Q

This is the mechanism by which disaccharides are formed by the addition of water.

A

Hydrolysis

99
Q

More than two monosaccharides joined together

A

Polysaccharides

100
Q

This is the principal storage product in plants.

101
Q

This is made up of 2000 glucose units and is a major component of the plant cell wall.

102
Q

This is animal starch.

103
Q

This is a tough, structural polysaccharide that forms the external skeleton of many insects and cell walls of fungi.

104
Q

This is a structural polysaccharide and is a major carbohydrate in connective tissue matrix.

A

Glycosaminoglycans

105
Q

What are the four significances of fibers?

A

1) Gives a person a feeling of fullness; 2) Dietary fiber; 3) Decreases risk for CVD and colon cancer; and 4) Lowers risk for various diseases

106
Q

What are the functions of carbohydrates?

A

1) Structural building blocks of protoplasmic substances (e.g. DNA, RNA); 2) Energy for respiratory processes; and 3) Major component of the matrix of connective tissue

107
Q

Functional group found in carbohydrates and many other cellular compounds

A

Hydroxyl (R-OH)

108
Q

Functional group found in aldo- type sugars

A

Aldehyde (R-CHO)

109
Q

Functional group found in keto- type sugars

A

Ketone (RC(=O)R’)

110
Q

Functional group found in organic acids such as amino acids and fatty acids

A

Carboxyl (R-COOH)

111
Q

Functional group found in amino acids, proteins, and other N-containing compounds

112
Q

Functional group found in nucleic acids, ADP, ATP, and phospholipids

113
Q

Functional group found in amino acid cysteine and in most proteins

A

Sulfhydryl

114
Q

These are large organic compounds that don’t usually dissolve in water but in soluble organic solvents.

115
Q

Building blocks of lipids

A

Fatty Acids

116
Q

What is the structure of lipids?

A

C, H, and O arranged in chains

117
Q

This confers acidity on a fatty acid.

A

Carboxyl Group (-COOH)

118
Q

This is the process by which fats are formed.

A

Esterification

119
Q

These deform the linear chain and give fatty acids a kinked 3D structure.

A

Double Bonds

120
Q

How much energy does one gram of fat contain as opposed to one gram of glycogen?

A

Twice as much

121
Q

What is the differentiating factor between saturated and unsaturated fats/

A

Saturated fats does not contain double bonds while unsaturated fats do.

122
Q

Fatty Acids + Glycerol + Additional Group = ?

A

Complex Lipids

123
Q

This is a major constituent of membranes and is abundant in brain cells and nerves.

A

Phospholipids

124
Q

This is a major constituent of myelin sheath.

A

Sphingolipids

125
Q

What are the characteristics of saturated fats?

A

1) Animal in origin; 2) Solid at room temperature; and 3) Raises cholesterol level

126
Q

What are the characteristics of unsaturated fats?

A

They are liquid at room temperature and they lower cholesterol levels.

127
Q

What is virgin coconut oil rich in?

A

Lauric Acid (Monolaurin)

128
Q

These are derived fatty acids made in most cells and are regulatory in function.

A

Eicosanoids

129
Q

These are lipids that consist of ring-like arrangement of atoms (four rings).

130
Q

What is the composition of fats?

A

Glycerol + 3 Fatty Acids

131
Q

What is the composition of phospholipids?

A

Glycerol + 2 Fatty Acids + Phosphate

132
Q

What is the composition of waxes?

A

Alcohol + 1 Fatty Acid

133
Q

What is the composition of steroids?

A

Lipids Fused in Rings

134
Q

What are the functions of fats?

A

Energy, Storage, and Insulation

135
Q

What is the function of phospholipids?

136
Q

What are the functions of waxes?

A

Water Repellant and Cell Wall Protection

137
Q

What are the functions of steroids?

A

Message and Membrane Fluidity

138
Q

These are polymers of amino acids (polypeptides).

139
Q

What are proteins composed of?

A

Carboxyl Group (-COOH), Amino Group (-NH2), and a Side Chain (R-)

140
Q

What are the essential amino acids?

A

Phenylalanine, Valine, Threonine, Methionine, Alanine, Tryptophan, Histidine, Isoleucine, Leucine, Lysine

141
Q

Synthesis of Proteins

A

Amino Acids to Peptide Bonds to Polypeptide

142
Q

What is the reason behind the enormous diversity of protein molecules?

A

The diversity of its amino acid sequence within protein molecules

143
Q

This refers to the structure in which a linear sequence of approximately 40 to 1000 amino acids are joined by peptide bonds.

A

Primary Structure

144
Q

This structure results from the coiling and folding of the primary structure into alpha-helices or beta-pleated sheets.

A

Secondary Structure

145
Q

What is the reason behind the folding of primary structures to form secondary structures?

A

Hydrogen bonds; movement of hydrophobic R-groups toward the non-aqueous center of the molecule and of the hydrophilic R-groups toward the aqueous surface of the molecule

146
Q

This is the sequence of amino acids in the polypeptide strand.

A

Primary Structure

147
Q

This forms when polypeptide further fold; these folds are stabilized by R-group-R-group interactions

A

Tertiary Structure

148
Q

This is formed when two or more polypeptides with tertiary structure cluster together.

A

Quaternary Structure

149
Q

What appearance do polypeptides with tertiary structure possess?

150
Q

This is a molecular technique used to determine the structure of protein constituents.

A

Immunoprecipitation

151
Q

This is a molecular technique that can differentiate complex proteins.

A

Gel Electrophoresis

Biology 22 (General Zoology) (8 decks)

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