Exam Revision using learning objectives Flashcards
Define atomic number
It tells you how many protons are in the nucleus of an atom.
Define atomic weight
It takes into account the mass of protons, neutrons, and electrons within an atom.
Define molecular weight
Molecular weight, also known as molar mass, is the sum of the atomic weights of all the atoms in a molecule. It is calculated by adding up the atomic weights of each individual atom in the molecule.
Define ion
An ion is an atom or molecule that has gained or lost electrons, resulting in a net electric charge.
Cation is a positive charge
Anion is a negative charge
Define electrolyte
It is an ionic compund
Define pH
pH is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of a solution. It quantifies the concentration of hydrogen ions (H+) in a solution. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, where a pH of 7 is considered neutral. A pH value below 7 indicates acidity, with lower values indicating stronger acidity. Conversely, a pH above 7 indicates alkalinity or basicity, with higher values indicating stronger alkalinity.
Define acid
Low pH
Define alkali
High pH
Describe the structure of an atom
A nucleus that contains protons and neutrons, with electrons surrounding the outside
Understand the difference between ionic and covalent bonds
Iconic bons are when electons are given away, covalent bonds are when electrons are shared.
Outline the concept of molar concentration
It is the measure of the amount solute in a solvent
Explain the importance of buffers in regulation of pH of body fluids and tissues
Buffers are essential in regulating the pH of body fluids and tissues. They help maintain the optimal pH range required for enzymatic activity, protein structure, oxygen transport, acid-base balance, and proper nerve and muscle function. By resisting changes in pH, buffers contribute to overall physiological stability and ensure the proper functioning of various cellular processes.
Describe in simple terms the chemical nature of sugars
Sugars are simple carbohydrates that serve as a source of energy for the body. They are made up of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms arranged in a specific structure. Sugars can be either monosaccharides (single sugar units) like glucose or fructose, or they can be disaccharides (two sugar units linked together) like sucrose or lactose.
Describe in simple terms the chemical nature of proteins
Proteins are complex molecules made up of chains of amino acids. Amino acids are small compounds that contain carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and sometimes sulfur atoms. The sequence and arrangement of amino acids determine the shape and function of a protein. Proteins have diverse roles in the body, including providing structure to cells and tissues, facilitating chemical reactions as enzymes, and serving as transporters and messengers.
Describe in simple terms the chemical nature of lipids
Lipids are a group of molecules that include fats, oils, and waxes. They are composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms, with some types of lipids also containing phosphorus and nitrogen. Lipids are hydrophobic, meaning they do not dissolve in water. They serve as an energy storage form, provide insulation and protection for organs, and are important components of cell membranes.
Describe in simple terms the chemical nature of nucleotides
Nucleotides are the building blocks of nucleic acids, such as DNA and RNA. They consist of three main components: a sugar molecule (ribose or deoxyribose), a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base (adenine, cytosine, guanine, thymine, or uracil). Nucleotides are involved in genetic information storage and transfer, as well as energy transfer in cells (e.g., ATP - adenosine triphosphate).
Describe in simple terms the chemical nature of enzymes
Enzymes are specialized proteins that act as catalysts in biological reactions. They speed up chemical reactions in the body by lowering the energy required for the reaction to occur. Enzymes are highly specific, meaning each enzyme catalyzes a particular reaction or group of reactions. They enable essential processes in the body, such as digestion, metabolism, and DNA replication, by facilitating chemical transformations without being consumed in the process.
List the important roles that sugars play in the human body
Energy source: Sugars, such as glucose, provide the primary fuel for cellular energy production through processes like glycolysis and cellular respiration.
Cell signaling: Some sugars act as signaling molecules that help regulate various physiological processes in the body.
Structural support: Sugars contribute to the structure of certain molecules like glycoproteins and glycolipids, which are important for cell recognition and communication.
List the important roles that proteins play in the human body
Enzymes: Proteins function as enzymes, catalyzing chemical reactions in the body and facilitating various biochemical processes.
Structural support: Proteins provide structural support to cells and tissues, maintaining their integrity and shape.
Transport and storage: Proteins serve as carriers and transport molecules for various substances, such as oxygen (hemoglobin) and lipids (lipoproteins). They also store essential molecules like iron (ferritin).
Immune system function: Antibodies, a type of protein, help defend the body against pathogens by recognizing and neutralizing foreign substances.
Hormones and signaling: Certain proteins, such as insulin, act as hormones or signaling molecules, regulating physiological processes like metabolism and growth.
List the important roles that lipids play in the human body
Energy storage: Lipids, in the form of triglycerides, store energy in adipose tissue and provide a concentrated source of energy.
Insulation and protection: Lipids, particularly adipose tissue, act as insulation and cushioning, protecting organs and providing thermal insulation.
Component of cell membranes: Lipids, especially phospholipids, are vital components of cell membranes, maintaining their structure and regulating cellular processes.
Hormone production: Certain lipids, such as cholesterol, are involved in the synthesis of hormones like estrogen and testosterone.
List the important roles that nucleotides play in the human body
Genetic information: Nucleotides are the building blocks of DNA and RNA, carrying and transmitting genetic information.
Energy currency: Nucleotides like ATP (adenosine triphosphate) store and transfer energy within cells, fueling various metabolic processes.
Coenzymes: Nucleotides function as coenzymes, assisting enzymes in carrying out biochemical reactions in the body.
List the important roles that enzymes play in the human body
Catalysis: Enzymes accelerate chemical reactions by lowering the activation energy required for the reaction to occur, allowing essential processes to happen at a faster rate.
Metabolism regulation: Enzymes play a crucial role in metabolic pathways, facilitating the breakdown of nutrients and the synthesis of essential molecules.
Digestion: Digestive enzymes help break down food into smaller molecules that can be absorbed and utilized by the body.
DNA replication and repair: Enzymes are involved in DNA replication, ensuring accurate transmission of genetic information, as well as in DNA repair processes.
Compare and contrast the processes of osmosis and diffusion
Osmosis and diffusion are both passive transport processes that occur down a concentration gradient. Diffusion is the movement of any type of particle from high to low concentration, while osmosis specifically involves the movement of water molecules across a semipermeable membrane in response to solute concentration differences.
Describe the structure of the plasma membrane
The plasma membrane’s structure provides a dynamic and flexible barrier that protects the internal environment of the cell while allowing necessary interactions and exchanges with the external environment.