Basic Concepts of Matter and Atoms

Anything with mass and takes up space (e.g., bones, blood, oxygen).

Basic building block of all matter, composed of a nucleus (protons & neutrons) with orbiting electrons.

Positively charged particles found in the nucleus of an atom. Determines the element's identity.

Negatively charged particles orbiting the nucleus. Determine how atoms interact with each other.

Neutral particles in the nucleus. Contribute to the atom's mass and influence its stability.

An atom or molecule with a net electrical charge (positive or negative).

A positively charged ion, formed when an atom loses electrons. Important for nerve impulses and muscle contraction.

A negatively charged ion, formed when an atom gains electrons. Crucial for bodily functions.

Weak attractions between molecules, influencing their physical properties like melting and boiling points. Think of them as temporary 'sticky notes' holding molecules together.

A specific type of intermolecular bond where a hydrogen atom bonded to a highly electronegative atom (like oxygen or nitrogen) is attracted to another electronegative atom in a different molecule. They are stronger than other intermolecular bonds.

The ability of a substance to dissolve other substances, forming a homogenous mixture. Water is a great solvent due to its polar nature, allowing it to interact with various molecules.

The amount of heat required to raise the temperature of a substance by one degree Celsius. Water has a high specific heat, meaning it can absorb a lot of heat without significantly changing its temperature.

The tendency of molecules of the same substance to stick together. Water's cohesion allows it to form droplets and create surface tension.

The tendency of molecules of one substance to stick to molecules of a different substance. Water's adhesion allows it to adhere to surfaces like blood vessels.

A measure of the concentration of hydrogen ions (H⁺) in a solution. A pH of 7 is neutral, below 7 is acidic, and above 7 is alkaline.

Molecules containing carbon, forming the basis of all living organisms. They include carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.

The sum of protons and neutrons in an atom's nucleus, approximately reflecting its mass.

A unit measuring the amount of substance containing 6.022 × 10²³ particles (Avogadro's number).

The process of a solid changing into a liquid. Example: Ice melting into water.

The process of a liquid changing into a gas. Example: Sweat evaporating from skin.

The process of a liquid rapidly changing into a gas at its boiling point. Example: Water boiling at 100°C.

The process of a gas changing into a liquid. Example: Water vapor condensing into droplets.

The process of a liquid changing into a solid. Example: Water freezing into ice.

Forces holding atoms together to form molecules, influencing the compound's stability and properties.

A bond formed by the transfer of an electron from one atom to another, creating charged ions that attract. Example: NaCl.

A bond formed by atoms sharing one or more pairs of electrons. Example: Oxygen gas (O₂).

A covalent bond where electrons are shared equally, resulting in a neutral molecule. Example: Oxygen gas (O₂).

A covalent bond where electrons are shared unequally, leading to a molecule with positive and negative regions. Example: Water (H₂O).

The simplest type of carbohydrate, consisting of a single sugar molecule.

Carbohydrates are the building blocks to more complex sugars and consist of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen in a 1:2:1 ratio.

A carbohydrate formed by combining two monosaccharides together.

A long chain of many monosaccharides linked together, serving as energy stores and structural components.

Lipids are a diverse group of organic molecules that include fats, oils, and cholesterol.

The primary form of fat stored in the body, composed of glycerol and three fatty acids.

A major component of cell membranes, consisting of two fatty acids, glycerol, and a phosphate group.

Proteins that speed up biochemical reactions within the body. They act as catalysts, helping reactions happen faster without being consumed in the process.

Proteins that provide structural support and shape to cells and tissues. They give strength and elasticity.

Proteins involved in muscle contraction. They allow muscles to shorten and generate force.

Proteins that carry substances throughout the body. They act as transporters, delivering important molecules where they need to go.

The molecule that carries the genetic instructions for all living organisms. It determines our traits and is passed down from parents to offspring.

A single-stranded molecule involved in protein synthesis and the transmission of genetic information. It carries the genetic code from DNA to the ribosomes, where proteins are made.

Both DNA and RNA are made up of nucleotides, which contain a sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base. They differ in their sugar component and the nitrogenous bases they contain.

A type of nucleic acid that stores and transmits genetic information. It is crucial for the development, functioning, growth, and reproduction of all living organisms.

A type of chemical bond where two or more atoms share electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration.

The protein responsible for carrying oxygen in the blood.

Water's ability to regulate internal body temperature by efficiently absorbing and releasing heat.

Fatty acids with all single bonds between carbon atoms, making them 'saturated' with hydrogen atoms.

Fatty acids with at least one double bond between carbon atoms, making them 'unsaturated' with hydrogen atoms.

Biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions by lowering activation energy.

A complex sugar formed by the binding of glucose molecules, providing energy for tissues and organs.

A high blood sugar level, characteristic of diabetes, that disrupts the body's intricate biochemical processes.