Chemical Basis of Life Flashcards
Smallest structural unit based on the levels of organization
Subatomic Particles
The three types of subatomic particles
1) Electrons; 2) Protons; and 3) Neutrons
Second smallest structural unit based on the levels of organization
Atoms
Third smallest structural unit based on the levels of organization
Molecules
What are formed by the complex combination/s of atoms?
Molecules
What are formed when molecules join together into even more elaborate units?
Complexes of Compounds
These are complexes of compounds that occur as microscopic or submicroscopic bodies in the living system.
Organelles
Organelles perform ____________.
Specific Functions
Why don’t organelles qualify as living units?
They do not satisfy all attributes/characteristics of life.
What are organelles composed of?
Organic and Inorganic Compounds
It is a specific combination of organelles; microscopic
Cell
Cells are organized complexly enough to contain all the necessary apparatus for the performance of ________ and ________.
Metabolism and Self-perpetuation
Represents the least elaborate structure that can be alive
Cell
“All life forms obey and are completely explained by the laws of ________ and ________.
Chemistry and Physics
This is anything that has mass and occupies space, and this may be living or non-living.
Matter
States that all matter is made up of atoms and atoms are composed of subatomic particles
Atomic Theory
Units of Matter
Atoms
In 1913, he proposed the structure of an atom and likened it to our solar system.
Neils Bohr
Three parts of an atom
1) Nucleus; 2) Electrons; and 3) Protons
A pure substance made up of one kind of atom that cannot be decomposed into simpler substances
Element
Six elements that play important roles in the phenomenon of life
1) Carbon; 2) Hydrogen; 3) Oxygen; 4) Nitrogen; 5) Sulfur; and 6) Phosphorus
The different shells in which the electrons of an atom are arranged reflect different ________.
Levels of Energy
How many electrons does the innermost shell of a filled or complete atom contain?
Two
How many electrons does the outermost shell of a filled or complete atom contain?
Eight
The chemical behavior of an atom depends largely on ________?
The number of electrons in its outermost shell
These are processes where atoms combine with other atoms or break apart from other atoms.
Chemical Reactions
These refer to two or more atoms combined in a reaction; atoms may be of the same kind or different
Molecules
A molecule containing at least two different kinds of atoms
Compound
These hold the atoms in a compound together.
Bonds
This is an attraction between an atom that has lost or gained electrons.
Ionic Bond
Atoms losing electrons
Cations
Atoms gaining electrons
Anions
This is a bond wherein two or more atoms share electrons.
Covalent Bond
Type of covalent bond with equal sharing
Non-polar
Type of covalent bond with unequal sharing
Polar
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.
Hydrogen Bonds
What is the relevance of hydrogen bonds to life?
They stabilize DNA and are essential to the capacity of DNA to reproduce itself and to form RNA.
These are molecules containing an atom with a single, unpaired electron in its outer shell.
Free Radicals
The reaction of free radicals with other molecules can produce a _______ and set off a _________.
Free Radical and Chain Reaction
These donate electrons to free radicals so that they may become stable.
Antioxidants
Synthesis reaction within the body
Anabolism
Decomposition reaction within the body
Catabolism
Reaction in which two or more atoms/ions/molecules combine to form new larger molecules
Synthesis Reaction
Reaction in which bonds are broken
Decomposition Reaction
Reaction that is partly synthesis and partly decomposition
Exchange Reaction
Reaction in which the end product can revert to the original combining molecules
Reverse Reaction
These are usually small, ionically bonded molecules that are vital for body functions; they do not contain the element carbon.
Inorganic Compounds
One of the most important and abundant substances in the body and the most abundant substance in the biosphere
Water
What is the polarity of water?
Polar
What is the molecular geometry of water?
Tetrahedral
Water “hating”
Hydrophobic
Water “loving”
Hydrophilic
Both water “hating” and “loving”
Amphiphatic
What are the four properties of water?
1) Cohesive Behavior; 2) Versatility as Solvent; 3) Stabilizes Temperature; and 4) Expansion Upon Freezing
What are the four functions of water?
1) Excellent solvent and suspension medium; 2) participant in many chemical reactions; 3) high specific heat; and 4) lubricant in various body regions
These are substances that dissociate hydrogen ions in solution; proton “donors”
Acids
These give off hydroxyl ion (-OH) in solution; proton “acceptors”
Bases
This is an indication of the degree of acidity or alkalinity of a solution based on the number of H+ in a solution.
pH
These are mechanisms that maintain homeostatic pH values in the body.
Buffer Systems
What is an essential function of buffer systems?
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.