Biology Basics Overview

Chemistry is foundational for understanding biological systems.

Elements necessary for life, primarily including 6: C, H, O, N, Ca, P.

Water is vital for all organisms; it makes up 95% of cells.

A pure substance that cannot be broken into simpler substances.

The smallest unit of an element that retains its properties.

A substance made of two or more different elements chemically bonded.

Atoms with the same protons but different neutrons.

A solution that resists changes in pH when acids or bases are added.

Atoms consist of protons, neutrons, and electrons.

Formed when one atom transfers electrons to another, creating charged ions.

Formed when two atoms share electrons.

Electrons are shared unequally, creating partial charges.

Weak attraction between a hydrogen atom bonded to an electronegative atom and another electronegative atom.

New characteristics that arise when elements combine to form compounds.

A compound that donates H+ ions to a solution.

A compound that accepts H+ ions and removes them from a solution.

A scale that measures how acidic or basic a solution is.

Elements required by organisms in minute amounts.

Rad isotopes can be tracers or harmful; used in medical imaging.

Molecules of the same kind stick together due to forces.

Molecules of different kinds stick together.

Water can absorb and release heat with minimal temperature change.

Ice is less dense than liquid water, allowing it to float.

Hydrophilic substances attract water; hydrophobic do not.

The process of converting DNA into functional proteins.

Process where organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive.

Theory that species evolve from common ancestors through gradual changes.