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Anatomy & Physiology: Basic Chemistry and Biochemistry

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  • What is matter?

    Matter is anything that has mass and occupies space. It can be seen, smelled, or felt.

  • What are the three states of matter?

    Solid (definite shape and volume), Liquid (changeable shape, definite volume), Gas (changeable shape and volume).

  • Define energy in the context of physiology.

    Energy is the capacity to do work or put matter into motion; it has no mass or volume.

  • What are the two forms of energy?

    Kinetic energy (energy in action) and Potential energy (stored energy).

  • Name the four major elements that make up 96% of the human body.

    Carbon, Oxygen, Hydrogen, and Nitrogen.

  • What are atoms composed of?

    Protons (positive charge), Neutrons (no charge), and Electrons (negative charge).

  • What is the difference between the planetary and orbital models of the atom?

    Planetary model shows electrons in fixed orbits; orbital model shows probable electron clouds.

  • What is an isotope?

    Atoms of the same element with the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons.

  • What is a molecule and a compound?

    A molecule is two or more atoms bonded together; a compound is a molecule with two or more different kinds of atoms.

  • What are the three types of mixtures?

    Solutions (homogeneous), Colloids (heterogeneous, particles do not settle), Suspensions (heterogeneous, particles settle out).

  • What is the difference between mixtures and compounds?

    Mixtures do not involve chemical bonding and can be separated physically; compounds involve chemical bonds and are homogeneous.

  • What is the octet rule in chemical bonding?

    Atoms tend to gain, lose, or share electrons to have 8 electrons in their valence shell for stability.

  • Describe ionic bonds.

    Formed by transfer of electrons from one atom to another, creating charged ions attracted to each other.

  • Describe covalent bonds.

    Formed by sharing of valence electrons between atoms; can be single, double, or triple bonds.

  • What is the difference between polar and nonpolar covalent bonds?

    Polar bonds share electrons unequally, creating partial charges; nonpolar bonds share electrons equally.

  • What are hydrogen bonds?

    Weak attractions between electropositive hydrogen of one molecule and electronegative atom of another, important in water properties.

  • What are synthesis, decomposition, and exchange reactions?

    Synthesis: smaller molecules form larger ones; Decomposition: molecules break down; Exchange: bonds made and broken.

  • What is the role of enzymes in chemical reactions?

    Enzymes are biological catalysts that lower activation energy and speed up reactions without being consumed.

  • What are the major inorganic compounds essential for life?

    Water, salts, acids, and bases.

  • Why is water important biologically?

    Water has high heat capacity, is a polar solvent, participates in reactions, and cushions organs.

  • What are acids and bases in terms of proton exchange?

    Acids donate H+ ions; bases accept H+ ions in solution.

  • What is pH and its scale range?

    pH measures hydrogen ion concentration; scale ranges from 0 (acidic) to 14 (basic), with 7 neutral.

  • What are organic compounds and their major classes?

    Contain carbon; major classes include carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.

  • What are carbohydrates and their classes?

    Contain C, H, O; classes are monosaccharides, disaccharides, and polysaccharides.

  • What are triglycerides composed of and their functions?

    Three fatty acids bonded to glycerol; functions include energy storage, insulation, and protection.

  • What distinguishes saturated from unsaturated fatty acids?

    Saturated have single bonds and are solid at room temperature; unsaturated have double bonds and are liquid.

  • What are proteins made of and their structural levels?

    Polymers of amino acids linked by peptide bonds; structures include primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary.

  • What is denaturation of proteins?

    Loss of protein's 3D shape due to pH or temperature changes, often reversible but sometimes permanent.

  • What are nucleic acids and their types?

    Polymers of nucleotides; major types are DNA (genetic blueprint) and RNA (protein synthesis).

  • What is ATP and its role?

    Adenosine triphosphate stores and provides immediate energy for cellular work by transferring phosphate groups.