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Basic Chemistry for Anatomy & Physiology

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  • What are atoms composed of?

    Atoms consist of a nucleus containing protons (positive charge) and neutrons (no charge), surrounded by orbitals of electrons (negative charge).

  • Define atomic number and mass number.

    Atomic number is the number of protons in the nucleus, defining the element. Mass number is the sum of protons and neutrons in the nucleus.

  • What are isotopes?

    Isotopes are atoms of the same element with the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons.

  • What determines an atom's chemical properties?

    The number of valence electrons in the outermost electron shell determines an atom's chemical properties.

  • What is a molecule and a compound?

    A molecule is two or more atoms held together by chemical bonds. A compound is a molecule made of atoms of different elements.

  • Describe ionic bonds.

    Ionic bonds form when electrons transfer from one atom to another, creating charged ions (cations and anions) held together by electrostatic attraction.

  • Describe covalent bonds.

    Covalent bonds form when atoms share electrons. They can be polar (unequal sharing) or nonpolar (equal sharing).

  • What are hydrogen bonds?

    Hydrogen bonds are weak attractions between a hydrogen atom covalently bonded to one molecule and an electronegative atom of another molecule.

  • Define kinetic and potential energy.

    Kinetic energy is energy in motion; potential energy is stored energy that can be used later.

  • List the four forms of energy relevant to the body.

    Chemical, electrical, mechanical, and radiant (electromagnetic) energy.

  • What happens in a synthesis chemical reaction?

    Bonds are formed to build larger molecules from smaller ones (A + B → AB). These are anabolic reactions.

  • What is a decomposition reaction?

    Bonds are broken to break down molecules into smaller parts (AB → A + B). These are catabolic reactions.

  • What factors affect the rate of chemical reactions?

    Temperature, concentration of reactants, particle size, and presence of catalysts.

  • What role do enzymes play in chemical reactions?

    Enzymes are biological catalysts that lower activation energy and speed up reactions without being consumed.

  • What is the difference between exergonic and endergonic reactions?

    Exergonic reactions release energy; endergonic reactions require energy input.

  • What are the two major classes of chemicals in biochemistry?

    Organic compounds contain carbon; inorganic compounds include salts, water, acids, and bases.

  • Why is water important biologically?

    Water has high heat capacity, high heat of vaporization, polarity for solvent properties, reactivity, and cushioning ability.

  • What defines an acid and a base?

    Acids release hydrogen ions (proton donors) and have pH < 7; bases accept hydrogen ions (proton acceptors) and have pH > 7.

  • What are carbohydrates and their function?

    Carbohydrates are sugars and starches used primarily as fuel to produce ATP.

  • What distinguishes saturated from unsaturated fats?

    Saturated fats have single covalent bonds and are solid at room temperature; unsaturated fats have one or more double bonds and are liquid at room temperature.

  • What are proteins made of and their role?

    Proteins are made of amino acids linked by peptide bonds and perform most cellular work, including acting as enzymes.

  • What are nucleic acids and their function?

    Nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) store and process genetic information within cells.

  • What is ATP and its role in the cell?

    ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is the energy currency of the cell, providing energy for chemical, transport, and mechanical work.