BIOL 157: Biological Chemistry Lecture 1

Carbon's ability to form strong bonds with itself, leading to the formation of long chains, branched structures, and rings.

Carbon's capacity to form single, double, or triple bonds with itself and other elements. This creates a diverse range of organic compounds.

Carbon is a group 14 element that has four valence electrons, enabling it to form four covalent bonds.

Silicon, like carbon, is in group 14. However, Si-Si bonds are weaker due to silicon's larger atomic size.

Boron has three valence electrons, making it electron-deficient and limiting the stability of its compounds.

Nitrogen has five valence electrons, but its lone pair electrons weaken the bond strength in its compounds. This limits its diversity in comparison to carbon.

The building blocks of life, cells contain approximately 32 elements that are essential for their functions.

These major elements (C, H, O, N, P, and S) make up over 99% of the mass of a cell.

Carbon is the most versatile and abundant element in cells due to its unique properties.

These include Na, Mg, Ca, B, V, Mo, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Si, Se, Cl, Cr, and I. They are crucial for specific cell functions.

Most major elements in cells belong to the p-block of the periodic table.

The major elements in cells primarily form covalent bonds, sharing electrons to achieve stability.

Most major elements in cells are classified as non-metals, lacking the typical characteristics of metals.

They tend to have smaller atomic sizes or lower atomic numbers, influencing their bonding behavior.

These elements are neither too reactive, causing instability, nor inert, preventing interactions. This balance allows for efficient functioning within cells.

Minerals are inorganic substances with specific functions in the body. These functions can include building strong bones and teeth, aiding in muscle contraction, and regulating fluid balance.

The Earth's composition and atmosphere are remarkably similar to the human body, influencing the types of elements present within us.

The diversity of elements found in living cells reflects the presence of elements from almost every group within the periodic table.

These elements are created in laboratories and are not naturally occurring.

Rare gases and some scarce elements like actinides and lanthanides are chemically unreactive and less likely to readily participate in cellular processes.

Certain elements can have harmful effects on cells, disrupting their normal functions and leading to toxicity.

Radioactive elements emit particles or radiation that can damage cellular structures and DNA, leading to potential health risks.

This model posits that the universe began as a single, incredibly hot and dense point of matter that expanded rapidly, leading to the formation of elements.

Elements heavier than hydrogen and helium are believed to have formed through nuclear fusion reactions within stars and released into the universe upon stellar explosions.

Scientists have synthesized new elements with atomic numbers beyond 92 in laboratories through controlled nuclear reactions.