Chemistry of life Definitions

Question 1

Atoms

Answer 1

Smallest units of an element

Question 2

Element

Answer 2

Pure chemical substance consisting of one type of atom

Question 3

Molecules

Answer 3

Fundamental units of a compound; consist of a group of atoms which are held together in fixed proportions by chemical bonds

Question 4

Organelles

Answer 4

Tiny bodies found in the cytoplasm of a cell

Question 5

Cells

Answer 5

Fundamental units of living organisms

Question 6

Compounds

Answer 6

Substances containing two or more elements joined together in a fixed ratio

Question 7

Inorganic compounds

Answer 7

Compounds that do not contain carbon

Question 8

Organic compound

Answer 8

Compounds that contain carbon and ultimately have a biological origin

Question 9

Macroelements

Answer 9

Elements needed in large amounts by living organisms

Question 10

Microelements

Answer 10

Elements needed in small amounts by living organisms

Question 11

Chlorosis

Answer 11

Mineral deficiency disease in plants resulting in yellow leaves due to the inhibition of the chlorophyll synthesis

Question 12

Cellular respiration

Answer 12

Release of energy in a living organism that occurs when large molecules are broken down into small molecules

Question 13

Amino acids

Answer 13

Building blocks of proteins

Question 14

Denaturation

Answer 14

Change to the molecule structure and function of a protein as a result of exposure to high temperatures and extreme pH conditions

Question 15

Eutrophication

Answer 15

Overgrowth of aquatic plants in aquatic ecosystems caused by the presence of fertilizer or untreated sewage