The class notes for Chemistry of Life provide an overview of the fundamental concepts related to matter and its role in biological processes. It explains that living organisms are made of matter, which consists of elements and compounds. The notes cover atomic structure, including protons, neutrons...
Chemistry: The Basics
Chemistry of Life
Living things are composed of matter and function by countless chemical reactions.
Matter
Anything that takes up space and has a mass
• Matter is made out of elements - substances that can't be broken down to other s
chemical reactions.
• Some matter is composed of multiple elements
○ Compounds have characteristics different from of its elements.
About 25 of 94 natural elements are essential to life. 96% of living matter is compose
• Hydrogen (H)
• Oxygen (O)
• Nitrogen (N)
• Carbon (C)
Atoms
The smallest unit of an element
An element's properties depend on the structure of its atoms.
Atomic number: number of protons
Atomic mass: number of protons + number of neutrons
Subtonic particles: protons, neutrons, and electrons
An element is defined by the number of protons in its atoms.
Isotopes
All atoms of an element have the same number of protons but may differ in number o
Isotopes are two atoms of an element that differ in # of neutrons.
Molecules
Molecules form when two or more atoms come together.
Different types of bonds cause molecules to form.
Important bonds in biology:
1. Ionic Bonds:
• Ions - atoms with an electric charge.
• These form when atoms lose or gain electrons.
2. Covalent Bonds:
• Other molecules form by sharing electrons
• A Covalent bond is formed.
• These bonds form majority of biological molecules.
3. Hydrogen Bonds:
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through EFT, credit card or Stuvia-credit for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying this summary from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller mailiyoshimura. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy this summary for R55,77. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.
