Atoms vs Ions and Key Chemical Concepts

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Questions and Answers

What is the difference between an atom and an ion?

An atom contains a nucleus with an equal number of protons and electrons, while an ion has an unequal number of protons and electrons.

Define a molecule.

A molecule is formed when two or more atoms bond to create a stable structure.

What is an element?

An element is a substance made entirely of the same type of atoms.

What is a compound?

A compound is a substance made of different types of atoms. Signup and view all the answers

What is a free radical?

A free radical is an atom or molecule with an unpaired electron. Signup and view all the answers

Define metabolism.

Metabolism is the sum of all chemical reactions in the body. Signup and view all the answers

What are the two types of metabolism?

The two types of metabolism are anabolism and catabolism. Signup and view all the answers

What is ATP?

ATP, or adenosine triphosphate, is the energy currency of cells. Signup and view all the answers

What does cellular preference refer to?

Cellular preference refers to the different substrates used for energy depending on demand and availability. Signup and view all the answers

Define cellular respiration.

Cellular respiration refers to the various pathways to access energy and molecules. Signup and view all the answers

What happens during aerobic cellular respiration?

In aerobic cellular respiration, pyruvic acid enters the mitochondria, producing ATP efficiently. Signup and view all the answers

What happens during anaerobic cellular respiration?

In anaerobic cellular respiration, pyruvic acid is converted into lactic acid instead of entering the mitochondria. Signup and view all the answers

Define pyruvic acid.

Pyruvic acid is produced from breaking down glucose and consists of 2 molecules along with 2 ATP. Signup and view all the answers

What are nutrients?

Nutrients are substances needed for body structure and function. Signup and view all the answers

Define organic compounds.

Organic compounds contain carbon and include ATP, carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and nucleic acids. Signup and view all the answers

Define inorganic compounds.

Inorganic compounds do not contain carbon and include water, acids, bases, and salts. Signup and view all the answers

What is dissociation?

Dissociation is the separation of inorganic acids, bases, and salts into ions in a solution. Signup and view all the answers

What is an acid?

An acid is a substance that dissociates into one or more hydrogen ions (H+). Signup and view all the answers

What is a base?

A base is a substance that dissociates into one or more hydroxide ions (OH-). Signup and view all the answers

What is a salt?

A salt is a substance that dissociates into positive and negative ions, without H+ or OH-. Signup and view all the answers

What does the pH scale measure?

The pH scale measures how acidic or alkaline a substance is. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Atoms vs Ions

Atoms are the fundamental building blocks of matter, composed of a nucleus (containing protons and neutrons) and surrounding electrons.
Ions are atoms with an imbalance in the number of protons and electrons.

Key Chemical Concepts

Molecules: Two or more atoms bonded together, forming a stable structure.
Element: A pure substance composed entirely of the same type of atom. Oxygen, hydrogen, carbon, and nitrogen constitute 96% of the body's mass.
Compound: A substance formed by the combination of two or more different types of atoms. For example, water (H2O) is a compound made of hydrogen and oxygen.
Free Radical: An atom or molecule with an unpaired electron, potentially damaging to cells.

Metabolism

Metabolism: The sum of all chemical reactions occurring in the body.
Anabolism: The building phase of metabolism; simpler molecules are combined to form more complex ones, requiring energy.
Catabolism: The breakdown phase of metabolism; complex molecules are broken down into simpler ones, releasing energy. This includes the breakdown of food to generate ATP.

ATP

ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate): The primary energy currency of cells, utilized for various functions like muscle contraction, cell division, and substance transport across cell membranes.
Energy for ATP production is derived from breaking down food (catabolism).

Cellular Preference

Different cells and activities require varying energy sources and quantities.
During light activity, energy demand is lower, and carbohydrates are primarily used.
During intense exercise, energy demand is higher and the body primarily utilizes fats.

Cellular Respiration

Cellular Respiration: The process of extracting energy from food molecules.
Aerobic Cellular Respiration: Occurs in the presence of oxygen. Example: Sitting and relaxing, oxygen uptake is sufficient for energy production.
Anaerobic Cellular Respiration: Occurs without oxygen. Example: Intense exercise where oxygen supply is insufficient, leading to the build-up of lactic acid.

Energy Substrate Metabolism

Carbohydrate (Glucose) Metabolism: The primary energy substrate, used quickly but in small amounts. It can be broken down with or without oxygen.
- Glycolysis: Breakdown of glucose.
- Glycogen: The stored form of glucose.
Fat Metabolism: Requires oxygen for energy production, slower but generates more ATP.
- Lipolysis: Breakdown of stored fat.
- Triglycerides: Storage form of fat.
Protein Metabolism: Least preferred, as amino acids are broken down and require more time and produce waste. Utilized when carbohydrate and fat reserves are low.

Pyruvic Acid

Pyruvic Acid: A product of glucose breakdown, forming two molecules and two ATP.
Aerobic Cellular Respiration: Pyruvic acid enters the mitochondria, producing more ATP.
Anaerobic Cellular Respiration: Pyruvic acid is converted into Lactic Acid, then into lactate, which diffuses out of the cell and circulates in the blood. This is the commonly felt "burning" sensation during intense exercise.

Key Cellular Substances

Nutrients: Substances necessary for body structure and function.
Organic Compounds: Contain carbon. Include ATP, carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and nucleic acids.
Inorganic Compounds: Do not contain carbon. Water accounts for 65% of body weight, alongside acids, bases, and salts.

Dissociation

Dissociation: The process of separating inorganic acids, bases, and salts into ions in a solution.

Acids, Bases, and Salts

Acid: Releases one or more hydrogen ions (H+) in solution.
Base: Releases one or more hydroxide ions (OH-) in solution.
Salt: Releases positive and negative ions, but not H+ or OH-.

pH Scale

The pH scale measures the acidity or alkalinity (basicity) of a solution.
A pH of 0 is the most acidic, while a pH of 14 is the most basic.
Neutral substances have a pH of 7, like pure water.

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Description

Explore the differences between atoms and ions while learning key concepts in chemistry such as molecules, elements, compounds, and free radicals. Additionally, dive into the intricacies of metabolism, including anabolism and catabolism, to understand the chemical reactions that fuel life.