Chemistry Of Physiology Flashcards
Element
Group of one type of atoms
Atoms
Units of matter unable to be broken down further by normal chemical means
Molecule
Group of atoms of two or more types
Covalent bond
Two or more atoms share electrons in outer shells
Ionic bond
Transfer of electrons between atoms results in bond due to magnetic charge
Polar molecule
Unequal sharing of electrons results in opposite slight charges on opposite ends of molecule.
Hydrogen bond
Attraction between slightly positive charged hydrogen atom and another atom. Not a very strong bond.
pH scale
Uses measurement of H+ within a substance to determine it as an acid or a base.
Acid
Substance that releases H+ when put in water.
Low pH.
Base
Substance which releases OH- when placed in water.
High pH.
Buffer
Regulates level of H+ to keep pH consistent.
In blood: carbonic acid-bicarbonate system
Macromolecules
Four major types
Molecules containing thousands of atoms with complex structures.
Carbohydrates
Lipids
Proteins
Nucleic acids
Polymers
Small repeating subunits which make up macromolecules. Created through dehydration synthesis. Broken down by hydrolysis.
Monomers
Building blocks of polymers
Dehydration synthesis
Process for covalent bonding between monomers in the synthesis of polymers.
One monomer contributes OH, one monomer contributes H, water is released.