Skip to main content
Back

Anatomy & Physiology Chapter 2: Basic Chemistry and Biomolecules

Control buttons has been changed to "navigation" mode.
1/24

Terms in this set (24)

  • What are the three main subatomic particles and their charges?
    Proton: positive, in nucleus; Neutron: neutral, in nucleus; Electron: negative, in electron shell.
  • What determines the atomic number of an element?
    The number of protons in the nucleus.
  • What is an isotope?
    Atoms of the same element with different numbers of neutrons, affecting atomic weight.
  • What is an ion?
    An atom or molecule with a net electric charge due to loss or gain of electrons.
  • Define molecule and compound.
    Molecule: two or more atoms bonded together; Compound: molecule with two or more different types of atoms.
  • What is an ionic bond?
    A weak bond formed by the exchange of electrons, following the octet rule.
  • What is a covalent bond?
    A strong bond formed by the sharing of electrons between atoms.
  • What is a synthesis reaction in metabolism?
    A chemical reaction that forms new bonds, often by dehydration (removing water).
  • What is a decomposition reaction in metabolism?
    A chemical reaction that breaks bonds, often by hydrolysis (adding water).
  • What is the role of reactants and products in chemical reactions?
    Reactants are substances that start a reaction; products are substances formed. Equilibrium is when their rates are equal.
  • What are inorganic compounds generally characterized by?
    They generally lack carbon and include water, acids, bases, and salts.
  • Why is water important in physiology?
    Water is a universal solvent and participates in many chemical reactions essential for life.
  • What defines acids and bases in terms of ions?
    Acids release H+ ions; bases release OH- ions in solution.
  • What are salts and their physiological role?
    Salts are electrolytes that dissociate into ions and help conduct electrical signals.
  • What are carbohydrates and their basic units?
    Organic molecules made of monosaccharides that form polysaccharides for energy storage.
  • What are triglycerides and their function?
    Lipids composed of glycerol and three fatty acids; main function is energy storage.
  • What are steroids and their role?
    Lipids that function in cell communication and hormone signaling.
  • What is the role of phospholipids?
    They form the structural basis of cell membranes.
  • What are proteins made of and their general function?
    Made of amino acids; they perform nearly all cellular functions.
  • What is the relationship between substrate, enzyme, and product?
    An enzyme binds a substrate to catalyze a reaction producing a product.
  • What are nucleic acids and their monomers?
    Macromolecules made of nucleotides (G, C, A, T, U) that store genetic information.
  • How do RNA and DNA differ?
    DNA contains T (thymine) and stores genetic info; RNA contains U (uracil) and helps in protein synthesis.
  • What is ATP and its role in the cell?
    Adenosine triphosphate stores and provides energy for cellular processes.
  • What happens when ATP is broken down?
    ATP breaks down into ADP + P + energy, releasing energy for cellular work.