Fundamentals of Biochem I

Question 1

What are Isotopes?

Answer 1

• The number of neutrons can vary from atom to atom within the same element, these variations are called isotopes
• Same atomic number, different mass number

Question 2

What are Radioisotopes?

Answer 2

• Isotopes that are radioactive
• These isotopes are unstable and tend to decompose or break down
• The breaking down is a radioactive process that gives off nuclear radiation

Question 3

Applications of Radioisotopes

Answer 3

• Used in carbon-dating
• Used as tracers in biomedical procedures

Question 4

In-depth about tracers

Answer 4

• They are used to ‘mark’ or highlight molecules in living cells
• Tracers give off particles that can be seen under certain imaging, to help find problems within the human body

Question 5

What do isotopes of iodine do?

Answer 5

• Used to find thyroid abnormalities such as thyroid cancer

Question 6

Types of orbits?

Answer 6

• s-orbits…appear spherical
• p-orbits…appear dumbell shaped
• d-orbits…appear like a combination of shapes

Question 7

What are horizontal rows on the periodic table called?

Answer 7

Periods

Question 8

What are vertical columns on the periodic table called?

Answer 8

Groups

Question 9

What do periods indicate?

Answer 9

The number of shells in each element of that row

Question 10

What do groups indicate?

Answer 10

The number of electrons in that valence shell

Question 11

What is an atomic number?

Answer 11

It indicates the number of protons and number of electrons in neutral atoms

Question 12

What is the mass number?

Answer 12

The atom’s relative mass based on the number of neutrons and protons

Question 13

What are bonds the result of?

Answer 13

• Overlapping orbits between two atoms
• Also called hybrid orbitals

Question 14

What is hybridization?

Answer 14

The process of making bonds