The Chemistry of Life

The Chemistry of Life

Chemical CompoundsForm by the chemical combination of two or moreelements in different proportions.

AtomsProtons and neutrons are in the nucleus, electrons orbit around the nucelus in the atom.

Can either be found as....

ElementsFormed as a pure substance containing only one tupe of atom.

OR

Held together by...

Ionic BondsTransfer of electrons to atoms

Covalent BondsShare of electrons between atoms

OR

Van der Waals Forces are slight attractions between oppositely charged regions of nearby molecules.

Carboncan bond with many elements including other carbon atoms.

Macromoleculesare formed when large compounds join together with smaller compounds.

Four Groups of Organic Coumpouds

ProteinsMacromolecules containing Nitrogen, Carbon, Hydrogen, and Oxygen.Control the rate of reactions, regulate cell processes, form bones and muscles, transport substances in/out of cells, and to help fight disease.

LipidsBiological molecules that are mostly made up of carbon and hydrogen atoms.Living things use to store energy, use for important parts of biological membranes, and waterproof coverings.

CarbohydratesCompounds made of Carbon, Hydrogen, and Oxygen atoms.Plants/Animals use as their main source of energy and for stuctural purposes.

Nucleic AcidsMacromolecules containing Hydrogen, Oxygen, Nitrogen, Carbon, and Phosphorus.Used to store and transmit hereditary.

Enzymesare proteins that act as biological catalysts and speed up chemical reactions in cells.

Chemical Reactionschange the chemical bonds that join atoms in compounds. The reactants are what enter the chemical reaction and the products are what exit. Some chemical reactions either absorb energy or release energy and may happen spontaneousely.