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Basic Chemistry and Macromolecules in Anatomy & Physiology

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Terms in this set (22)

  • Four major elements that make up the human body

    Oxygen, carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen are the four major elements that compose the human body.

  • Atomic number and atomic mass

    The atomic number is the number of protons in an atom, and the atomic mass is the sum of protons and neutrons.

  • Predicting atomic structure and stability

    Atoms are stable when their outer electron shell is full; stability depends on the number of electrons in the valence shell.

  • Difference between compound and mixture

    A compound is chemically bonded atoms of different elements, while a mixture is a physical combination of substances without chemical bonding.

  • Compare solutions, colloids, and suspensions

    Solutions are homogeneous mixtures, colloids have larger particles that remain dispersed, and suspensions have particles that settle out over time.

  • Types of chemical bonding

    Covalent bonds share electrons, ionic bonds transfer electrons, and hydrogen bonds are weak attractions between polar molecules.

  • Major types of chemical reactions

    Include synthesis (building molecules), decomposition (breaking down molecules), and exchange reactions (swapping parts).

  • Why chemical reactions in the body are often irreversible

    Many reactions release energy or produce products that are quickly removed, making the reverse reaction unlikely under physiological conditions.

  • Factors impacting chemical reaction rates

    Include temperature, concentration of reactants, particle size, and presence of catalysts like enzymes.

  • Difference between organic and inorganic compounds

    Organic compounds contain carbon and hydrogen, while inorganic compounds generally do not.

  • Structure and unique properties of water

    Water is a polar molecule with hydrogen bonding, giving it high heat capacity, solvent abilities, and cohesion.

  • pH scale and acids vs bases

    The pH scale measures acidity; acids release H+ ions, bases release OH- ions.

  • Role of pH buffers in biological systems

    Buffers maintain stable pH by neutralizing excess acids or bases to protect cellular functions.

  • How macromolecules are built and broken down

    Macromolecules are built by dehydration synthesis and broken down by hydrolysis.

  • Components of a chemical reaction

    Reactants are starting substances, products are formed substances, and enzymes often act as catalysts.

  • Relationship between monomers and polymers

    Monomers are single units that join to form polymers, which are large molecules made of repeating monomers.

  • Monomer and polymer forms of carbohydrates

    Monomer: monosaccharides; Polymer: polysaccharides like glycogen and starch.

  • Monomer and polymer forms of proteins

    Monomer: amino acids; Polymer: polypeptides or proteins.

  • Monomer and polymer forms of nucleic acids

    Monomer: nucleotides; Polymer: DNA and RNA.

  • Monomer and polymer forms of lipids

    Lipids are not true polymers but are made of glycerol and fatty acids.

  • How enzymes function as molecular catalysts

    Enzymes lower activation energy to speed up chemical reactions without being consumed.

  • Role of ATP in the cell

    ATP stores and transfers energy for cellular processes.