Unit 2: The Chemistry of Life improved

Question 1

Term: Atom

Answer 1

Definition: The basic unit of a chemical element, consisting of a nucleus of protons and neutrons with electrons in orbit.

Question 2

Term: Nucleus (in an atom)

Answer 2

Definition: The central part of an atom that contains protons and neutrons.

Question 3

Term: Electron

Answer 3

Definition: A subatomic particle with a negative electric charge, orbiting the nucleus of an atom.

Question 4

Term: Proton

Answer 4

Definition: A subatomic particle with a positive electric charge, found in the nucleus of an atom.

Question 5

Term: Neutron

Answer 5

Definition: A subatomic particle with no net electric charge, found in the nucleus of an atom.

Question 6

Term: Element

Answer 6

Definition: A substance that cannot be broken down into simpler substances by chemical means; composed of atoms with the same number of protons.

Question 7

Term: Covalent Bond*

Answer 7

Definition: A chemical bond that involves the sharing of electron pairs between atoms.

Question 8

Term: Hydrolysis*

Answer 8

Definition: The chemical breakdown of a compound due to a reaction with water.

Question 9

Term: Dehydration Synthesis*

Answer 9

Definition: The process of joining two molecules, or compounds, together following the removal of water.

Question 10

Term: Molecule

Answer 10

Definition: A group of atoms bonded together, representing the smallest unit of a chemical compound that retains its chemical properties.

Question 11

Term: Organic Molecule

Answer 11

Definition: Molecules containing carbon, typically found in living organisms.

Question 12

Term: Chemical Reaction

Answer 12

Definition: A process that leads to the transformation of one set of chemical substances to another.

Question 13

Term: Reactant

Answer 13

Definition: A substance that takes part in and undergoes a change during a reaction.

Question 14

Term: Product

Answer 14

Definition: A substance that is formed as a result of a chemical reaction.

Question 15

Term: Monomer

Answer 15

Definition: A molecule that can join together with other molecules to form a polymer.

Question 16

Term: Polymer

Answer 16

Definition: A large molecule composed of repeating structural units or monomers.

Question 17

Term: Carbohydrate

Answer 17

Definition: Organic compounds consisting of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, typically in a ratio of 1:2:1.

Question 18

Term: Lipid

Answer 18

Definition: Organic compounds that are hydrophobic and insoluble in water; includes fats, oils, and phospholipids.

Question 19

Term: Nucleotide

Answer 19

Definition: The basic building block of nucleic acids, consisting of a sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base.

Question 20

Term: Nucleic Acid

Answer 20

Definition: Biopolymers, such as DNA and RNA, that play a crucial role in the storage and expression of genetic information.

Question 21

Term: Protein

Answer 21

Definition: Large, complex molecules composed of amino acid chains; essential for the structure, function, and regulation of the body’s tissues and organs.

Question 22

Term: Amino Acid

Answer 22

Definition: The basic building blocks of proteins, characterized by an amino group, a carboxyl group, and a side chain.

Question 23

Term: Enzyme

Answer 23

Definition: A biological catalyst that speeds up chemical reactions by lowering the activation energy.

Question 24

Term: Activation Energy*

Answer 24

Definition: The minimum amount of energy required for a chemical reaction to occur.

Question 25

Term: Prokaryote

Answer 25

Definition: A type of cell that lacks a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.

Question 26

Term: Eukaryote

Answer 26

Definition: A type of cell that contains a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.

Question 27

Term: Organelle

Answer 27

Definition: Specialized structures within a cell that perform specific functions.

Question 28

Term: Membrane-Bound Organelle

Answer 28

Definition: An organelle surrounded by a membrane, such as the nucleus, mitochondria, chloroplast, etc.

Question 29

Term: Cell Membrane

Answer 29

Definition: The semi-permeable membrane surrounding a cell that regulates the passage of substances in and out of the cell.

Question 30

Term: Cell Wall

Answer 30

Definition: A rigid outer layer that provides structural support to plant cells.

Question 31

Term: Cytoskeleton*

Answer 31

Definition: A network of protein filaments that provides structural support and facilitates movement within a cell.

Question 32

Term: Nucleus (in a cell)

Answer 32

Definition: The central organelle that contains the genetic material (DNA) and serves as the control center of the cell.

Question 33

Term: DNA

Answer 33

Definition: Deoxyribonucleic acid; the genetic material that carries instructions for the development, functioning, growth, and reproduction of all known organisms.

Question 34

Term: Ribosomes

Answer 34

Definition: Cellular structures that synthesize proteins by reading the genetic code from RNA.

Question 35

Term: Mitochondria

Answer 35

Definition: Organelles responsible for energy production through cellular respiration.

Question 36

Term: Chloroplast

Answer 36

Definition: Organelles in plant cells where photosynthesis takes place, converting light energy into chemical energy.

Question 37

Term: Central Vacuole

Answer 37

Definition: A large, membrane-bound sac in plant cells that stores water, nutrients, and waste products.