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Basic Principles of Chemistry in Anatomy & Physiology

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Terms in this set (31)

  • What is matter?
    Matter is anything that has mass and occupies space. It can be seen, smelled, or felt.
  • What are the three states of matter?
    Solid: definite shape and volume
    Liquid: changeable shape, definite volume
    Gas: changeable shape and volume
  • What are elements and what four elements make up 96% of body weight?
    Elements are substances that cannot be broken down by ordinary chemical methods. The four main elements are carbon, oxygen, hydrogen, and nitrogen.
  • Define molecule and compound.
    Molecule: two or more atoms bonded together.
    Compound: molecule with two or more different kinds of atoms bonded together.
  • What are the three basic types of mixtures?
    Solutions: homogeneous mixtures
    Colloids: heterogeneous mixtures with larger particles
    Suspensions: heterogeneous mixtures with very large particles that settle out
  • What is a solution in chemistry?
    A solution is a homogeneous mixture where particles are evenly distributed. It has a solvent (usually water) and solutes dissolved in it.
  • What distinguishes colloids from solutions?
    Colloids have larger particles than solutions, are heterogeneous, and appear cloudy or milky but particles do not settle out.
  • What is a suspension?
    A suspension is a heterogeneous mixture with large visible particles that settle out over time, like blood cells in plasma.
  • How do mixtures differ from compounds?
    Mixtures do not involve chemical bonding, can be separated physically, and can be heterogeneous or homogeneous; compounds involve chemical bonds and are homogeneous.
  • What are chemical bonds?
    Chemical bonds are energy relationships between electrons of reacting atoms; they are not physical structures.
  • Name and describe the three main types of chemical reactions.
    Synthesis: atoms/molecules combine to form larger molecules.
    Decomposition: molecules break down into smaller parts.
    Exchange: bonds are both made and broken.
  • What is the difference between exergonic and endergonic reactions?
    Exergonic: release energy (catabolic).
    Endergonic: absorb energy (anabolic).
  • What factors affect the speed of chemical reactions?
    Temperature, concentration of reactants, particle size, and presence of catalysts (enzymes) affect reaction speed.
  • What is biochemistry?
    The study of chemical composition and reactions of living matter.
  • What are inorganic compounds important to the body?
    Water, salts, acids, and bases; they generally do not contain carbon.
  • List five important properties of water.
    High heat capacity, high heat of vaporization, polar solvent properties, reactivity, and cushioning.
  • What are salts and why are they important?
    Salts are ionic compounds that dissociate into ions in water; ions conduct electrical currents and are vital for body functions.
  • How do acids and bases differ?
    Acids release hydrogen ions; bases pick up hydrogen ions and release hydroxyl ions in solution.
  • What does the pH scale measure?
    The concentration of hydrogen ions in a solution; pH 7 is neutral, below 7 acidic, above 7 alkaline.
  • What role do buffers play in the body?
    Buffers resist large pH changes by releasing or binding hydrogen ions, maintaining acid-base balance.
  • What are organic compounds and their general characteristics?
    Organic compounds contain carbon, are usually large, covalently bonded, and include carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.
  • What are carbohydrates and their main function?
    Carbohydrates are sugars and starches containing C, H, and O; they provide a ready source of cellular fuel.
  • Name the three classes of carbohydrates.
    Monosaccharides (single sugars), disaccharides (two sugars), and polysaccharides (many sugars).
  • What are lipids and their main types?
    Lipids contain C, H, O (sometimes P), are insoluble in water, and include triglycerides, phospholipids, steroids, and eicosanoids.
  • Describe triglycerides and their functions.
    Triglycerides are fats/oils made of three fatty acids and glycerol; they store energy, insulate, and protect organs.
  • What are phospholipids and their role?
    Modified triglycerides with polar heads and nonpolar tails; important in cell membrane structure.
  • What are steroids and their importance?
    Steroids have four interlocking rings; cholesterol is key for vitamin D, hormones, bile salts, and membrane structure.
  • What are proteins and their building blocks?
    Proteins are structural materials made of amino acid chains linked by peptide bonds.
  • What are the four levels of protein structure?
    Primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary structures.
  • What are nucleic acids and their monomers?
    Nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) are large molecules made of nucleotide monomers containing nitrogen base, sugar, and phosphate.
  • What is ATP and its function?
    Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) stores and transfers chemical energy for cellular reactions.