Unit 1 Flashcards
Define Atom
Smallest stable unit of matter that has the characteristics of its specific element
What is the structure of an atom?
A nucleus (Protons and neutrons) in the middle and electrons orbitals (electrons orbiting around it)
Protons have a ____ charge
Positive
Neutrons have ____ charge
No
(They are neutral)
Electrons have a _____ charge
Negative
If the orbital is closer to the nucleus, it is a ____ level orbital
Low
If the orbital is farther to the nucleus, it is a ____ level orbital
High
What is a valence electron
Electron found in the outer most orbital used for making different types of bonds
Most elements want ____ electrons in their valence shell because this makes them the ____
8
Most stable
What’s another way to say non-neutral atom? (Not same number of electrons and protons)
Ions
What is a cation?
An ion with a positive charge because there are more protons than electrons
What is an anion
An ion with a negative charge because there are more electrons than protons
What are the main elements of life
Carbon, Hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen
What is fixed from the atmosphere by plants during photosynthesis?
Inorganic carbon
This process is essential for the conversion of carbon dioxide into organic compounds.
What is the main source of biomass in ecosystems?
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are synthesized during photosynthesis and serve as a fundamental energy source.
List the biomolecules that organisms utilize carbon to produce.
- Carbohydrates
- Proteins
- Nucleic acids
- Lipids
These biomolecules are crucial for cellular structure and function.
What happens to carbon when organisms die?
Decomposers recycle the carbon back into the environment
This recycling process is vital for maintaining ecosystem balance.
True or False: Organisms in carbon-depleted areas can survive.
False
They cannot make the necessary biological molecules without sufficient carbon.
Fill in the blank: Inorganic carbon is incorporated into _______ during photosynthesis.
carbohydrates
This incorporation is a key step in the carbon cycle.
What process is used by bacteria and other decomposers to fix inorganic nitrogen from the atmosphere?
Nitrogen fixation
This process involves converting atmospheric nitrogen into a form that plants can absorb.
How do plants utilize fixed nitrogen?
Plants absorb nitrogen to produce proteins and nucleic acids
Proteins and nucleic acids are essential for growth and development.
What role do decomposers play in the nitrogen cycle?
Decomposers recycle nitrogen back into the environment
This process is crucial for maintaining nitrogen availability in ecosystems.
What happens to organisms in nitrogen-depleted areas?
They will die because they cannot make proteins or nucleic acids
Nitrogen is essential for these fundamental biological molecules.
Fill in the blank: Nitrogen is recycled into the environment by _______.
decomposers