Chapter 2 Molecules and Cells Flashcards
(126 cards)
What can not be broken down into smaller substances?
elements
What is the smallest unit of an element?
an atom
What are atoms made of?
protons, neurons, and electrons
What are ionic bonds?
bonds between oppositely charged atoms
How are ions formed?
when atoms lose or gain an electron
What bonds are easily dissolved by water?
ionic bonds
What is entropy?
energy put into a system can favor certain reactions that build complexity
What are covalent bonds?
a strong bond that results from the sharing of an electron pair between two atoms
What element forms covalent bonds?
carbon!
What is a nonpolar covalent bond?
equal sharing of electrons
What is a polar covalent bond?
unequal sharing of electrons
What makes up 75% of a cells weight?
water
Is water polar or non polar?
polar
What does the polar nature of water lead to?
hydrogen bonds
What are hydrogen bonds?
not very strong, but they are numerous and lead to the sticky nature/life-allowing properties
What are the properties of water?
heat absorption, sticky, solid (ice) is less dense than liquid, almost universal solvent (cannot dissolve lipids)
What can water not dissolve?
lipids
What is pH?
measure of the concentration of hydrogen ions
What is a basic pH?
pH greater than 7
What pH has a low concentration of hydrogen ions?
basic pH
What pH has a high concentration of hydrogen ions?
acidic pH
What is an acidic pH?
pH less than 7
Why are both acids and bases damaging?
because they are highly reactive with other substances
What is a neutral solution pH?
pH of 7