2 Chemical Basis of Life
2 Chemical Basis of Life
2 Chemical Basis of Life
O F LIFE Dissociation
Basic Chemistry Separation of ions in an ionic compound by
Chemistry – concerned with atomic composition and polar water molecules
structure of substances and the reactions they undergo
Electrolytes – dissociated ions
Matter, Mass, and Weight
Matter – anything that occupies space and has mass Chemical Rxns
Substances interact either to form or to break
Mass – amount of matter in an object; kilogram chemical bonds
Weight – gravitational force acting on an object Reactants – substances that enter into a chemical
reaction
Elements and Atoms
Element – simplest type of matter having unique Products – substances that result from the chemical rxn
properties
Classification of Chemical Rxns
Atom – smallest particle of an element 1. Synthesis – combination of reactants
2. Decomposition – breakdown of larger reactants
Atomic Structure 3. Exchange – decomposition + synthesis
Neutrons – no electrical charge
Anabolism – synthesis rxns that occur in the body
Protons – positive charges
Catabolism – decomposition rxns that occur in the body
Electrons – negative charges
Metabolism – anabolic + catabolic rxns in the body
Nucleus – formed by protons and neutrons
Reversible Rxns
Electron cloud – where electrons are most likely to be Reactants can form products, products can form
found reactants
Atomic number – no of protons in each atom Energy and Chemical Rxns
Energy – capacity to do work
Mass number – no. of protons + no. of neutrons
Potential Energy – stored energy
Electrons and Chemical Bonding
Chemical Bonding – electrons are transferred or shared Kinetic Energy – energy caused by movement
between atoms
Chemical Energy – form of potential energy stored in
Ionic Bond – electrons are transferred chemical bonds
Covalent Bond – electrons are shared Rate of Chemical Rxns (RCTC)
1. Reactants
Polar covalent bond – unequal, asymmetrical sharing of 2. Concentration
electrons 3. Temperature
4. Catalysts (increases the rate of chem rxn without
Polar molecules – molecules with asymmetrical itself being permanently changed or depleted)
electrical charge
Acids and Bases
Nonpolar covalent bond – equal sharing of electrons Acid – proton donor
bet. atoms
Base – proton acceptor
Nonpolar molecules – molecules with symmetrical
electrical charge The pH Scale
Indicates the H+ concentration of a solution
Hydrogen Bonds
Neutral – equal no. of H+ and OH-; pH of 7.0
Weak attraction bet the oppositely charged
Acidic – H+ > OH-; pH less than 7.0
regions of polar molecules
Basic – H+ > OH-; pH greater than 7.0
Molecules and Compounds
Molecule – two or more atoms that are chemically 7.35 – 7.45 – normal pH range of blood
combined
Acidosis – blood pH drops beow 7.35
M o r a n o , M . A.
Alkalosis – blood pH rises above 7.45 Polyunsaturated fats – two or more double covalent
bonds; safflower, sunflower, corn, fish oils
Salts
Forms when an acid reacts with a base Trans fats – unsaturated fats tha have been altered by
addition of H atoms
Buffer
Chemicals that resist changes in pH Phospholipids – phosphorus containing molecues
Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide Hydrophobic – water fearing; non polar end is repelled
Oxygen – involved with the extraction of energy from by water
food molecules
Eicosanoids – important chemicals derived form fatty
Carbon Dioxide – by-product of the breakdown of food acids; important regulatory molecules
molecules
Prostaglandins – regulates secretion of hormones, blood
Water clotting, and some reproductive functions
1. Stabilizing body temperature.
2. Protection; lubricant/cushion. Steroids – carbon atoms in four ring-like structures
3. Facilitating chemical reactions.
4. Transporting substances Cholesterol – important steroid bcos steroid molecules
are synthesized from it; important component of cell
Organic Molecules membranes
Carbon containing
Proteins
Carbohydrates CHON + S
CHO Regulate chemical reactions
Serve as structural components
Monosaccharides – smallest carbohydrates; simple Cause muscle contraction
sugars
Glucose – blood sugar Amino acids – building blocks of proteins; amine group
Fructose – fruit sugar + carboxyl group; 20 basic types: 12 simple org.
molecules + 8 obtained in diet
Disaccharides – 2 monosaccharides
Sucrose – table sugar Denaturation – change in shape caused by abnormally
high temp. or change in pH
Polysaccharides – many monosaccharides
Glycogen – animal starch Enzymes – protein catalysts; lower the activation energy
Plant starch
Cellulose Activation energy – energy needed to start a chem rxn
M o r a n o , M . A.