Biology Chapter: Chemical Reactions and Compounds

A process where bonds in reactants break and new bonds form in products, changing substances.

The substances that enter a chemical reaction, found on the left side of the equation.

The substances that result from a chemical reaction, found on the right side of the equation.

A chemical reaction that can proceed in both directions, forming both products and reactants.

A compound that contains carbon, often along with hydrogen and other elements. Carbon's ability to bond with many other elements produces this variety.

A specific group of atoms within a molecule that is responsible for a particular chemical reaction.

A chemical reaction in which two or more molecules combine to form a larger molecule, releasing a small molecule (often water).

A chemical reaction where a larger molecule is broken down into smaller molecules by adding water.

A bond formed when two atoms share a pair of electrons.

Carbon's ability to form four covalent bonds with other elements and carbon atoms itself, creating complex structures.

A covalent bond where two atoms share one pair of electrons.

A molecule with an uneven distribution of electrical charge, creating a positive and negative side.

Water's uneven charge distribution, influenced by the angle of its atoms, causing it to be a polar molecule.

Water's capacity to absorb significant energy without substantial temperature change, helping maintain internal body temperature.

Attraction between slightly positive hydrogen atoms and slightly negative oxygen atoms in water molecules.

An attraction between a slightly positive hydrogen atom in one water molecule and a slightly negative oxygen atom in another water molecule.

The attraction between particles of the same substance, like water molecules sticking to each other.

The attraction between unlike substances, like water molecules clinging to a glass surface.

The ability of water to move upward through narrow tubes against the force of gravity, caused by cohesion and adhesion.

A simple sugar that is a monomer of carbohydrates, containing carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen in a 1:2:1 ratio.

A carbohydrate composed of two monosaccharides joined together.

A complex carbohydrate made up of many monosaccharides linked together.

Carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids are the four main classes of organic compounds essential for all living things.

The specific pairing of nitrogenous bases in DNA: adenine (A) always pairs with thymine (T), and guanine (G) always pairs with cytosine (C).

The sugar in DNA is deoxyribose, a five-carbon sugar.

The sugar in RNA is ribose, a five-carbon sugar with a hydroxyl group at the 2' position.

Uracil (U) replaces thymine (T) in RNA.

The sequence of nitrogenous bases in DNA determines the sequence of amino acids in proteins, which in turn determines the protein's shape and function.

A common monosaccharide, a major source of energy for cells.

A monosaccharide found in fruits, the sweetest of the monosaccharides.

A monosaccharide found in milk, often combined with glucose or fructose.

A polysaccharide that stores glucose in animals; it is highly branched.

A polysaccharide that stores glucose in plants; it exists in two forms: branched and unbranched.

Enzymes speed up chemical reactions without being consumed themselves, acting as biological catalysts.

Enzymes are sensitive to environmental changes like temperature and pH, which can alter their shape and ability to function.

Lipids are large, nonpolar organic molecules that don't dissolve in water, but store energy efficiently.

Hydrophilic molecules are attracted to water, while hydrophobic molecules repel water.

Fatty acids are unbranched carbon chains that make up most lipids. The carboxyl end is hydrophilic, while the hydrocarbon end is hydrophobic.

Saturated fatty acids have all carbon atoms bonded to the maximum number of atoms, while unsaturated fatty acids have double bonds within the carbon chain.

Nucleic acids are polymers of nucleotides, each consisting of a five-carbon sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogen-containing base.

DNA is a double-stranded helix that stores genetic information, providing a blueprint for all living things.