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Basic Biochemistry for Anatomy & Physiology: Matter, Atoms, and Chemical Principles

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Basic Biochemistry for Anatomy & Physiology

Table of Contents

  • Introductory Chemistry

    • Matter and Atoms

    • Chemical Bonding

    • Chemical Reactions

    • Water, Solutions, and pH

  • Biochemistry

    • Metabolites and Nutrients

    • Carbohydrates

    • Lipids

    • Proteins

    • Nucleic Acids

    • ATP and ADP

Matter and Atoms

Matter

Matter is the fundamental "stuff" of the universe, forming all substances, including those in living organisms. Understanding matter is essential for studying the chemical basis of life.

  • Definition: Matter is anything that has mass and takes up space.

  • States of Matter:

    • Solid: Definite shape and volume. Particles are closely packed in a fixed arrangement.

    • Liquid: Indefinite shape (takes the shape of its container), but definite volume. Particles are close but can move past each other.

    • Gas: Indefinite shape and volume. Particles are far apart and move freely.

  • Example: Water exists as ice (solid), liquid water, and water vapor (gas) in nature.

Atoms

Atoms are the smallest units of matter that retain the properties of an element. All matter is composed of atoms, which combine to form molecules and compounds essential for life.

  • Definition: An atom is the smallest indivisible unit of matter.

  • Subatomic Particles:

    • Proton (p+): Relatively large, positively charged particle found in the nucleus.

    • Neutron (n): Relatively large, electrically neutral particle found in the nucleus.

    • Electron (e-): Very small (about 1/1800 the mass of a proton), negatively charged particle found outside the nucleus.

  • Example: A hydrogen atom consists of one proton and one electron.

Atomic Structure

The structure of an atom determines its chemical properties and how it interacts with other atoms. Most of the atom's mass is concentrated in the nucleus, while electrons occupy regions of space called the electron cloud.

  • Nucleus: Central region containing protons and neutrons.

  • Electron Cloud: Region surrounding the nucleus where electrons are likely to be found.

  • Energy Levels: Electrons occupy specific energy levels or shells. The arrangement of electrons in these shells influences chemical reactivity.

  • Example: In a carbon atom, 6 protons and 6 neutrons are in the nucleus, with 6 electrons in the electron cloud.

Key Terms and Concepts

  • Element: A pure substance consisting of only one type of atom. Each element is defined by its number of protons (atomic number).

  • Isotope: Atoms of the same element with different numbers of neutrons, resulting in different mass numbers.

  • Ion: An atom that has gained or lost electrons, acquiring a charge.

Visual Representation

  • States of Matter: Diagrams often show particles in solids as tightly packed, in liquids as loosely packed, and in gases as widely spaced.

  • Atomic Structure: Diagrams typically depict the nucleus at the center with electrons in surrounding shells or clouds.

*Additional info: Later sections (not shown in these images) will cover chemical bonding, reactions, water and solutions, and the biochemistry of major biomolecules, all of which are foundational for understanding anatomy and physiology at the molecular level.*

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