Biology Chapter 2 Flashcards

Study Notes

Nervous System and Chemical Processes

Sodium (Na) is essential for the proper conduction of nervous impulses.
Phospholipids are partially polar and partially non-polar in nature, playing a critical role in cell membranes.
Genetic information is encoded in DNA through the sequence of nucleotides.

Proteins and Their Functions

Proteins can be denatured by heat or acidity; their function relies on their three-dimensional shapes.
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body, providing structural support.
Enzymes, which are proteins, function as biological catalysts, but they do not carry genetic information.

Carbohydrates and Energy Storage

Carbohydrates are stored in the body as glycogen, primarily in the liver and muscles.
Neutral fats consist of a 3:1 ratio of fatty acids to glycerol.

Enzymes and Reactions

Coenzymes are organic molecules derived from vitamins, enhancing enzyme activity.
Chemical reaction speed is influenced by temperature, concentration, and catalysts but not by the mere presence of carbon.
In redox reactions, both decomposition and electron exchange occur; the electron acceptor is oxidized, while the donor is reduced.

Acids, Bases, and pH

A pH of 2 indicates a highly acidic solution.
Human blood typically maintains a pH range of 7.35 to 7.45.

Elements and Isotopes

The four elements making up roughly 96% of the body are carbon, oxygen, hydrogen, and nitrogen.
Isotopes differ in atomic mass but have the same atomic number and exhibit varying neutron counts.

Molecular Structures

Chemical bonds determine molecular stability, with hydrogen bonds influencing the three-dimensional structures of proteins and nucleic acids.
The formula C6H12O6 represents a molecule with 6 carbon, 12 hydrogen, and 6 oxygen atoms, indicating a glucose structure.

Types of Solutions

Blood is an example of a suspension, while colloids are mixtures that do not settle but scatter light.
Solutions consist of a solvent in larger quantities and solute in smaller amounts.

Fat-Soluble Vitamins

Vitamin D is produced in the skin upon UV exposure and is crucial for bone growth.

Amino Acids and Proteins

A polypeptide chain consists of 25 amino acids.
Fibrous proteins like collagen and elastin are vitamin-derived and generally insoluble in water.

Chemical Reactions and Synthesis

Amino acid bonds reflect synthesis reactions, whereas time does not influence reaction rates significantly.
Dipeptides form by the condensation of amino acids.

Unique Molecular Characteristics

Dipoles are polar molecules characterized by unequal sharing of electrons.
The presence of an unaccounted ion results in the creation of an anion when ionically bonded.

Colloids and Mixtures

Examples of colloids include Jell-O and cytosol, both demonstrating scattering properties.
Colloids differ from true solutions due to visible scattering and the absence of sedimentation.

Minerals and Heavy Metals

Iron is recognized as a heavy metal naturally found in the body, integral for various biological processes.
Water (H2O) is not considered an electrolyte, despite being vital for life.

Description

Test your knowledge with these flashcards from Biology Chapter 2. This quiz covers key concepts regarding nervous impulses, phospholipids, and genetic information. Perfect for reinforcing your understanding of essential biological principles.