Unit 1: Ch 2 (Chemistry) Flashcards
Acid
- Any proton donor
- A molecule that releases a proton in water
Activation Energy
Pre-set level of energy required to allow for a reaction to go from reactant to product
Active Site
Geographic location where an enzyme will allow a reaction to occur
Adhesion & Cohesion
- Adhesion: the tendency of one substance to cling to another
- Cohesion: the tendency of molecules of the same substance to cling to each other
Adipose Tissue
- Provides thermal insulation and acts as a shock-absorbing cushion for vital organs
Amino Acids
- Components
- Bonds
- Components
- Amino group (NH2)
- Carboxyl group (COOH)
- R-group
- Bonds
- Peptide bonds between the carboxyl and amino group via dehydration synthesis
Amino Group
- Symbol
- Bonds
- Occurs in
- Symbol: -NH2
- Bonds: Single covalent bonds
- Occurs in: Amino acids, proteins
Anabolism
The sum of all synthesis reactions in the body
Antioxidant
A chemical that neutralizes free radicals
Apoenzyme
A protein component working with an enzyme
Atomic Mass
- Weight of the Atom
- Protons + Neutrons = Atomic Mass
Atomic Number
- The number of protons in a nucleus
- The periodic table is organized by atomic number
Describe atomic structure
- At the center of an atom is the nucleus, composed of protons and neutrons
- Protons (p+) have a single positive charge
- Neutrons (n0) have no charge
- Each proton or neutron weighs approx 1 atomic mass unit, which equals the total number of protons and neutrons
- Around the nucleus are one or more clouds of electrons
- Electrons determine the chemical properties of an atom, thereby governing what molecules can exist and what chemical reactions can occur
- The # of electrons = the # of protons
Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP)
- Description
- Components
- Description
- Nucleotide that occurs in muscle tissue
- Is used as a source of energy in cellular reactions and in the synthesis of nucleic acids
- Cells couple the exergonic reaction of ATP hydrolysis with endergonic reactions to harness the energy within the bonds of ATP
- Components
- Ribose
- Adenine
- Triphosphate
ATPase
- Lowers the energy required to allow for the reaction to occur
- ATP is broken into ADP and 1 phosphate
- Follows the law of conservation of mass
Buffers
- A substance that helps keep pH within normal limits
- Buffers resist pH changes because they can take up excess hydrogen ions (H+) or hydroxide ions (OH-)
Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate (cAMP)
- Components
- Components
- Adenine
- Monophosphate
- Ribose
General carbohydrate formula
(CH2O)n
n = number of carbons
Describe the following characteristics of carbohydrates
- Monomers
- Polymers
- Elements
- Structure
- Function
- Monomer: Monosaccharide
- Glucose (blood of mammals)
- Galactose (milk of mammals)
- Fructose (plants)
- Polymer: Polysaccharides
- Glycogen
- Starch
- Cellulose
- Elements: C, H, O
- Structure:
- H to O ratio is 2:1
- The number of carbons usually ranges from 3-7
- Depending on the number of carbons in the sugar, they also may be known as trioses (3 carbons), pentoses (5 carbons), and or hexoses (6 carbons)
- Monosaccharides can exist as a linear chain or as ring-shaped molecules; in aqueous solutions, they are usually found in ring forms
- Function
- Prime energy source
- Structural/physical support
- Cell-to-cell recognition
- Cell identification: allows the immune system to recognize/distinguish cells
- Forms part of DNA & RNA
Carboxyl Group
- Symbol
- Bonds
- Occurs in
- Symbol: -COOH
- Bonds: Single covalent bonds
- Occurs in: Sugars, amino acids, proteins
Catabolism
The sum of all decomposition reactions in the body
Chemical Compound
Atoms containing two or more elements
Examples: H2O, NaCl, and CO2
Chemical Energy
Energy found in the different bonds or chemical structures
Chemical Formula
- An abbreviation of the elements and atoms present in a molecule
- Two types:
- Molecular formula: Atoms that joined together (ex: H20)
- Structural formula: In addition to the above, also shows where and how atoms have bonded together (ex. H-H-O)
Chemical Reaction
- Description
- Types of reactions
- Description
- A process in which a covalent or ionic bond is formed or broken
- Symbolized by a chemical equation that typically shows the reactants on the left, the products on the right, and an arrow pointing from the reactants to the products
- Types
- Decomposition
- Synthesis
- Exchange reactions
Chemistry
The study of matter
Cholesterol
- Structure
- Function
- Structure
- 17 carbons
- 4 ring structure
- Function
- A precursor to other steroids
- An important component of cell membranes and is required for proper nervous system functions
- Notes
- Only about 15% of our cholesterol comes from the diet; the other 85% is internally synthesized, primarily by the liver
- Humans only obtain dietary cholesterol from foods of animal origin
Coenzyme
An organic component working with an enzyme
Cofactor
An inorganic chemistry component working with an enzyme
Colloids
- Description
- Size
- Appearance
- Will particles settle?
- Will particles pass through membrane?
- Examples
- Not a uniform mixture
- Size: Particles range from 1-100 nm
- Appearance: Often cloudy
- Will particles settle? No
- Will particles pass through membrane? No
- Examples:
- Proteins in blood
- Milk protein
- Gelatin
Compounds
Two or more different atoms coming together
Conformation
Describes the shape of a protein
Conjugated Carbohydrates
- Formed when carbohydrates attach to other molecules
- Examples:
- Glycoprotein: Component of the cell surface coat and mucus
- Glycolipid: Component of the cell surface coat
- Proteoglycan: Cell adhesion, lubrication, supportive filler for some tissues and organs
Conjugated Proteins
Have a non-amino acid moiety called a prothetic group covalently bound to them
Covalent Bonds
- Form when atoms share one to three pairs of electrons
- The most common type of bond found in nature
- Covalent bonds can be single, double, or triple
- Two types of covalent bonds:
- polar
- nonpolar
Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate (cAMP)
Nucleotide formed by the removal of both the second and third phosphate groups from ATP.
Acts as a “second messenger” to activate metabolic effects within the cell.
Decomposition reactions
Where a large molecule breaks down into two or more smaller ones.
AB → A + B
Dehydration Synthesis
- When monomers join to create polymers of organic molecules
- Hydrogen is removed from one monomer and a hydroxyl group (-OH) is removed from another monomer, forming water
Denature/Denaturation
- What the shape of a protein (conformation) is unfolded
- Its shape and properties change, and it results in a non-functioning protein
- Proteins can be denatured by exposing them to pH changes (acids or bases) or by exposing them to extreme temperatures (either hot or cold)
- Example: Frying an egg. Egg white starts out as clear and liquid, the extreme heat changes the egg white to opaque and a rigid texture
Disaccharides
- Maltose: Glucose + Glucose
- Found in grain plants like wheat & barley and products like beer & malted milk which are made from grains
- Sucrose: Glucose + Fructose
- Found in plants especially sugar cane & sugar beets. Sucrose is known as “table sugar” and is used to sweeten foods and beverages
- Lactose: Glucose + Galactose
- Found in milk of mammals. Lactose is known as milk sugar
Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA)
- Description
- Description
- Constitutes genes
- Functions as the hereditary material of all living things
- Double-stranded helix
- Its monosaccharide is deoxyribose
Eicosanoids
- Structure
- Function
- Structure
- 20-carbons
- Derived from arachidonic acid (a fatty acid)
- Includes prostaglandins and leukotrienes
- Function
- Hormone-like chemical signals between cells
- Signaling roles in inflammation, blood clotting, hormone action, labor contractions…
Electrolytes
- Ionize in water and form solutions capable of conducting electricity
- Important for their chemical reactivity and electrical effects
- Imbalance has effects ranging from muscle crams and brittle bones to cardiac arrest
Electromagnetic energy
The kinetic energy of moving “packets” of radiation, called photons
Electron Shell Structure
- Electrons are located in electron shells that surround an atom
- # of electron shells an atom has depends on the total number of electrons
- Indicates the average location of electrons
- Each shell holds a limited number of electrons:
- Shell 1 holds 2 electrons
- Shell 2 holds 8 electrons
- Shell 3 holds 8 electrons
- Shell 4 holds 8 electrons
Electronegativity
- An atom’s force of attraction to gain an electron.
- Highly electronegative atoms only need 1 electron to maintain a full valence shell.
- The exception to this is Hydrogen and Helium because they require a maximum of 2 electrons in the first shell.
- If atoms bonded together have the same electronegativity, the shared electrons will be equally shared and will become anions.
Electron
- Determines the chemical properties of an atom
- Found on the periphery, or on the side of an atomic structure
- Electron shell, which is a more specific way to determine where an electron is housed; or
- Electron cloud, which is a more general way of showing where an electron is
- Carry a single negative charge
- Notated with a lowercase “e”
Electropositivity
The tendency of an atom to donate electrons and form positively charged cations
Element
The simplest form of matter to have unique chemical properties
Emulsion
The suspension of one liquid in another, such as oil-and-vinegar salad dressing
Endergonic Reaction
- A reaction in which energy is absorbed
- This means that the net change in free energy is positive
- There is more energy in the system at the end of the reaction than at the beginning of it
Energy
Capacity to do work
Enzymes
- Enzymes are proteins that decrease the amount of activation energy required in a reaction
- Not consumed in a chemical reaction
- Enzyme suffixes end in - ase
Essential & Non-Essential Fatty Acids
- Essential: Body cannot produce it, essential that they are consumed in diet
- Non-Essential: If not in diet, the body can produce it
Exchange Reaction
When two molecules exchange atoms or groups of atoms.
AB + CD → AC + BD
Exergonic Reaction
- A reaction that releases free energy
- Products have less total free energy than the reactants did
- The change in free energy is negative
- Can occur spontaneously, without being forced by outside factors
- Examples: Oxidation, Decomposition, Catabolism
Fat-soluble vitamin function
(A, D, E, and K)
- Lipid function
- Involved in a variety of functions including blood clotting, wound healing, vision, and calcium absorption
Fatty Acids
- Components
- Structure
- Types
- Function
- Components
- Carboxyl group (-COOH) at one end
- Methyl group (-CH3) at other end
- Structure
- Chain of approx 4 - 24 carbon atoms
- Types
- Saturated
- Unsaturated
- Lipid function
- Precursor of triglycerides
- Source of energy
Free energy
- The potential energy available in a system to do useful work.
- Example: Energy stored in the chemical bonds or organic materials
Free radicals
Unstable, highly reactive chemical particles with an odd number of electrons.
Fructose Formula
C6H12O6
Functional Groups
A specific combination of bonded atoms that always has the same chemical properties and therefore always reacts in the same way
5 Functional Groups
- Amino
- Carboxyl
- Hydroxyl
- Methyl
- Phosphate
Glycogen formula
CH2OH
Guanosine Triphosphate (GTP)
Nucleotides involved in energy transfers
Heat
- The kinetic energy of molecular motion
- The temperature of a substance is a measure of rate of this motion, and adding heat to a substance increases molecular motion
Hydrogen Bonds
- Attracted to an electronegative atom
- Form a weak attraction between a slightly positive hydrogen atom in one molecule and a slightly negative oxygen or nitrogen in another
- Do not form molecules but stabilize the three-dimensional shape of molecules
- Makes water cohesive and adhesive
- Notated by dotted or broken lines between atoms
Hydrolysis Reaction
- Degrades polymers
- Occurs when the monomers in a polymer separate during a hydrolysis reaction (addition of H2O)
- The polymer is broken into two components: one part gains a hydrogen atom (H+) and the other gains a hydroxyl molecule (OH–) from a split water molecule
Hydroxl Group
- Symbol
- Bonds
- Occurs in
- Symbol: -OH
- Bonds: Single covalent bond
- Occurs in: Sugars, alcohol
Induced Fit Hypothesis
An enzyme will be fit to or moved with a substrate to allow for a chemical reaction to occur
Ionic bond
- The attraction of a cation to an anion creates an ion
- One atom must give up or take on an electron
Ions & Ionization
- Charged particles with unequal numbers of protons and electrons
- Ions: form because elements with 1-3 valence electrons tend to give them up, and those with 4-7 electrons tend to gain more
- Ionization: If an atom of the first kind is exposed to an atom of the second, electrons may transfer from one to the other and turn both of them into ions
Isomer
Two or more compounds with the same molecular formula but different structural formula (shape/weights)
Isotope
Two or more elements that are chemically similar (same number of protons), but have different weights (number of neutrons)
Kinetic Energy
Energy of motion, energy that is doing work.
Law of Conservation of Energy
Energy is not created or destroyed, it is redistributed
List the lesser elements of the human body
- Chlorine (Cl)
- Iron (Fe)
- Magnesium (Mg)
- Potassium (K)
- Sodium (Na)
- Sulfur (S)
Lipids
- Description
- Structure
- Classifications
- Primary types in humans
- Description
- Have a full valence shell/octet
- Hydrophobic/nonpolar bonds
- Structure
- C, H, O (P in phospholipids)
- Greater than 2:1 ratio of H to O
- Classifications
- Saturated
- Unsaturated
- Polyunsaturated
- Oils & Fats
- Non-essential fatty acids
- Essential fatty acids
- Primary Types
- Fatty acids
- Triglycerides
- Phospholipids
- Eicosanoids
- Steroids
List the major elements of the human body
(98.5% of the human body)
- Carbon (C)
- Calcium (Ca)
- Hydrogen (H)
- Nitrogen (N)
- Oxygen (O)
- Phosphorus (P)
Matter
Anything that takes up physical space and has mass
Methyl Group
- Symbol
- Bonds
- Occurs in
- Symbol: -CH3
- Bonds: Single covalent bonds
- Occurs in:
- Steroids
- Oils
- Amino acids
- Fats
Milliequivalents per Liter (mEq/L)
- Used to express electrolyte concentrations
- It takes into account the millimolar concentration of a solute and the electrical charge on its particles
Mitochondria
- Organelles that produce ATP, the main energy molecule used by a cell
- Sometimes referred to as “the powerhouse of the cell”
Mitosis
- Formation of a new cell
- How multi-celled organisms grow larger & repair damaged tissues
- A process by which a cell segregates its duplicated DNA, ultimately dividing its nucleus into two
Mixture
- Consists of substances that are physically blended but not chemically combined
- Each substance retains its own chemical properties
Molarity
- The number of moles of solute per liter of solution
- This not only reflects the weight of the solute in the solution, but the number of molecules per volume, so molarity is often the most meaningful measure of concentration
Mole
One mole of a chemical is the number of grams equal to its molecular weight
Molecular Weight (MW)
The sum of the atomic weights of an atom
Molecules
Two or more of the same atoms united by a chemical bond
Compare Monomers & Polymers
- Monomers vs Polymers:
- A single molecule vs many molecules
- Smaller molecular weight vs larger
- Lower boiling point vs higher
- Less mechanical strength vs more
- They also have different chemical and physical properties. Example:
- Glucose (monomer) is an oxidizing sugar, soluble in water, that has a sweet taste. Starch (polymer) of glucose is a non-oxidizing sugar, partially soluble in water, and doesn’t have a sweet taste
Monosaccharides
-
Glucose
- Blood sugar
- The energy source for most cells
-
Galactose
- Converted to glucose and metabolized
-
Fructose
- Fruit sugar
- Converted to glucose and metabolized
- Ribose
- Deoxyribose
Neutrons
- Does not carry a charge
- Affect the atomic mass and radioactive properties of atoms
- Notated with a lowercase “n”
Nucleic Acids
- Monomer(s)
- Polymer(s)
- Elements
- Bond Type
- Monomers: Nucleotides
- Polymers: DNA & RNA
- Elements: C, H, O, N, P
- Bonds: Polar covalent
Components of a Nucleotide
- Monosaccharide
- Nitrogen base
- Phosphorus group
Nucleotides
- Components
- Types
- Components
- Nitrogenous base
- Sugar
- 1+ Phosphate group
- Types (Difference is in the nitrogen base)
- Adenine (A)
- Guanine (G)
- Cytosine (C)
- Thymine (T): found only in DNA
- Uracil (U): found only in RNA
Differences between
organic & inorganic chemistry
- Different weights in the molecules
- Different bonds present
- Organic: Dbl/triple covalent, polar/nonpolar, hydrogen
- Inorganic: Ionic, single covalent
- Examples
- Organic: Proteins, carbohydrates
- Inorganic: Salts
Organic Chemistry
- The study of carbon
- Focuses on macromolecules that are important for homeostasis
- Carbon can form 4 single covalent bonds which allow many large structures to form
List the 4 primary organic compounds
- Carbohydrates
- Lipids
- Nucleic acids
- Proteins
Oxidation
Any chemical reaction in which a molecule gives up electrons and releases energy.
An exergonic reaction in which electrons are removed from a reactant. Electrons may be removed one or two at a time and may be removed in the form of hydrogen atoms.
Peptide Names
- Peptide (1)
- Dipeptides (2)
- Tripeptides (3)
- Oligopeptides (3 - 50)
- Polypeptides (Many)
- Proteins
Percentage
- Weight of solute as a percentage of solution volume; or the volume of a liquid as a percentage of total solution volume
Periodic Table
- Blueprint for all chemistry
- Symbols represent an element
- All elements contain their own protons, neutrons, weight, electrons, etc.
- Inherent organization to the table. Atomic number (protons) increase from left to right and top to bottom
pH scale
- Scale of 1 - 14
- A solution with a pH of 7.0 is neutral, solutions with pH below 7 are acidic, and solutions with pH above 7 are basic
- The lower the pH value, the more hydrogen ions a solution has and the more acidic it is
- A change of one whole number on the scale represents a 10-fold change in H+ concentration
- Power or potential of hydrogen (pH)
Phosphate Group
- Symbol
- Bonds
- Occurs in
- Symbol: -H2PO4
- Bonds:
- Single & double covalent bonds,
- Where P and O form by a double covalent bond
- Occurs in: Nucleic acids, ATP
Phospholipids
- Elements
- Structure
- Function
- Elements: C, H, O, P
- Structure: Amphipathic
- Together, they form a shape like a clothespin
- 1 phosphate “head” is hydrophilic
- 2 fatty acid “tails” are hydrophobic
- Function
- Structural foundation of cell membranes
Polar & Nonpolar Bonds
- Polar covalent bonds form when there is unequal sharing of electrons.
- Results in the formation of an Electropositive ion that has partial + charge and an Electronegative ion that has partial – charge
- Hydrophilic; dissolves in water
- Nonpolar covalent bonds form when there is equal sharing of electrons
- It is the strongest of all bonds
- Hydrophobic
Polymer
A polymer is a macromolecule consisting of repeating units that represent the monomers, while monomers are building blocks of polymers.
Polysaccharides
- Cellulose
- Structural polysaccharide of plants
- Dietary fiber (unable to digest)
- Starch
- Energy storage in plant cells
- Energy source in the human diet
- Glycogen
- Energy storage in animal cells (liver, muscle, brain, uterus, vagina)
Polyunsaturation Fatty Acids
- Multiple double covalent C bonds
- Most can be synthesized by the human body, but a few called essential fatty acids must be obtained from the dyes because humans cannot synthesize them
Potential energy
The energy that is contained in an object because of its position or internal state, but that is not doing work at the time.
Primary Structure
Sequence of amino acids joined by peptide bonds
Proteins
- Monomer
- Polymer
- Elements
- Structure Types
- Function
- Monomer: Amino Acids
- Polymer: Polypeptides
- Elements: C, H, O, N (some have S)
- Structure Types:
- Primary Structure
- Secondary Structure
- Tertiary Structure
- Quaternary Structure
- Function
- Act as the thread that allows for cell cohesion which allows for a tissue to be formed
- Structure: Keratin, collagen
- Communication: Hormones and other cell-to-cell communications
- Membrane transport: Form channels in cell membranes
- Catalysis: Enzymes
- Recognition and protection: Glycoproteins
- Movement: Molecular motors
- Cell adhesion: Bind cells together
Proteoglycans
- Proteoglycans are macromolecules in which the carbohydrate component is dominant and a peptide or protein forms a smaller component
- Create gels that hold cells and tissues together, form a gelatinous filler, etc
Proton
- A subatomic particle that has a single positive charge
- Guide the atomic number, which gives the periodic table its organization
- Notated with a lowercase “p”
Quaternary Structure
- Association of 2+ polypeptide chains (subunits) with each other
- Example: Hemoglobin (found in the blood) is an iron-containing protein that binds oxygen molecules. It contains four subunits: two alpha subunits and two beta subunits
Radioisotopes
- Emit radiation
- The process of decay is called radioactivity
Reaction rates
- The amount of time it will take for a reaction to occur
- Variables:
- Concentration
- Temperature
- Catalysts (inorganic)
- Enzymes (organic)
Reduction
An endergonic reaction in which electrons are donated to a reactant.
Reversible Reactions
- Can go in either direction under different circumstances.
- They follow the law of mass action: They proceed from the reactants in greater quantity to the substances with the lesser quantity.
- They exist in a state of equilibrium, in which the ratio of products to reactants is stable.
- CO2 + H2O ⇔ H2CO3 ⇔ HCO3 + H
Ribonucleic Acid (RNA)
- Description
- Components
- Description
- Converts the genetic code from DNA into proteins to carry out cellular functions
- Synthesizes proteins
- Messenger RNA
- Polymer of nucleic acid
- Its monosaccharide is ribose
- Single-stranded
- Components
- 5 carbon backbone
- Phosphate group
- Nitrogen base
Salts
Require the dissociation of an anion and a cation
Saturated Fatty Acid
- Has as much hydrogen as it can carry without exceeding 4 covalent bonds per carbon
- It is “saturated” with hydrogen
Secondary Structure
- Formed by hydrogen bonds
- It is the coiling or folding of a polypeptide chain that gives the protein its 3-D shape
- Alpha (α) helix: Resembles a coiled spring and is secured by hydrogen bonding in the polypeptide chain
- Beta (β) pleated sheet: Appears to be folded or pleated and is held together by hydrogen bonding between polypeptide units of the folded chain that lie adjacent to one another
Solution
- Description
- Size
- Appearance
- Will particles settle?
- Will particles pass through membrane?
- Examples
- Has two parts, is a solute and a solvent
- Size: < 1 nm
- Appearance: Clear
- Will particles settle? No
- Will particles pass through membrane? Yes
- Examples:
- Glucose in blood
- O2 in water
- Saline
Steroid
- Elements
- Structure
- Function
- Elements: C, H, O
- Structure
- A lipid with 17 of its C atoms arranged in 4 rings
- Each ring differs by the arrangement of the atoms and the type of functional groups attached to them
- Function
- Cholesterol is the “parent” steroid from which the other steroids are synthesized
- Others include cortisol, progesterone, estrogens, testosterone, and bile acids
- These differ from each other in the location of double covalent C bonds within the rings and in the functional groups attached to the rings
Key Points:
- Steroids are lipids because they are hydrophobic and insoluble in water, but they do not resemble lipids since they have a structure composed of four fused rings.
- Cholesterol is the most common steroid and is the precursor to vitamin D, testosterone, estrogen, progesterone, aldosterone, cortisol, and bile salts.
- Cholesterol is a component of the phospholipid bilayer and plays a role in the structure and function of membranes.
- Steroids are found in the brain and alter electrical activity in the brain.
- Because they can tone down receptors that communicate messages from neurotransmitters, steroids are often used in anesthetic medicines
Substrate
The actual substance an enzyme is going to convert from a reactant to a product
Suspension
- Size
- Appearance
- Will particles settle?
- Will particles pass through membrane?
- Examples
- Able to settle; separates by molecular weight
- Size: > 100 nm
- Appearance: Cloudy-Opaque
- Will particles settle? Yes
- Will particles pass through membrane? No
- Examples:
- Blood cells
- Cornstarch in water
- Fats in blood
Synthesis Reaction
- Where two or more small molecules combine to form a larger one
- A + B → AB
Tertiary Structure
- Folding and coiling due to interactions among R groups and surrounding water
List the trace elements
of the human body
- Chromium (Cr)
- Cobalt (Co)
- Copper (Cu)
- Fluorine (F)
- Iodine (I)
- Manganese (Mn)
- Molybdenum (Mo)
- Selenium (Se)
- Silicon (Si)
- Tin (Sn)
- Vanadium (V)
- Zinc (Zn)
Trans & Cis Fatty Acids
- Trans: Opposite side of a double bond; results in a structure with a small dent
- Cis: Same side of a double covalent bond; results in a structure with a large dent (like a V). Preferred because they’re harder to accumulate in large populations
Triglyceride
- Structure
- Function
- Structure
- Glycerol (3-carbon alcohol) linked to 3 fatty acids
- Each bond between a fatty acid and glycerol is formed by dehydration synthesis
- Lipids are liquid at room temperature (oils)
- Aka triacylglycerols & neutral fats
- Lipid function
- Energy storage
- Thermal insulation
- Filling space
- Binding organs together
- Cushioning organs
Unsaturated Fatty Acid
- Some carbon atoms are joined by double covalent bonds
- Each could potentially share one pair of electrons with another H atom instead of the adjacent carbon, so H could be added to this molecule
Valence Shell
- The outermost shell of an atom
- Determines the bonding properties of an atom
- Chemically active atoms will bond with other elements because their valence shell is not filled
- Chemically inactive elements will not bond with other elements because their valence shell is filled
Van der Waals Forces
- Important in protein folding, the binding of proteins to each other and to other molecules
- They are weak, brief attractions between neutral atoms
- When electrons orbit a nucleus, they don’t maintain a uniform distribution but show random fluctuations in density
- If the electrons briefly crowd toward one side of an atom, they render that side slightly negative and the other side slightly positive for a moment. If another atom is close enough, the second atom responds with disturbances in its own electron cloud.
- Oppositely charged regions of the two atoms then attract each other for a very brief moment
What is structurally important about water?
- Hydrogen atoms are joined by polar covalent bonds
- Universal solvent
- Qualities supporting life:
- Solvency
- Lubricant
- Thermal stability
- Chemical reactivity
Weight per Volume
Weight of a solute in a given volume of solution