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Anatomy & Physiology: Basic Chemistry and Biomolecules

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  • What are the three subatomic particles in an atom?

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

  • Where are protons and neutrons located in an atom?

    In the nucleus of the atom.

  • What is the atomic number of an element?

    The number of protons in an atom of that element.

  • How is atomic mass calculated?

    Sum of the number of protons and neutrons in an atom.

  • What are isotopes?

    Atoms of the same element with different numbers of neutrons. Some are radioactive.

  • What is the difference between elements and molecules?

    Elements are made of one type of atom; molecules are two or more atoms bonded together.

  • Define anions and cations.

    Anions have a negative charge; cations have a positive charge.

  • What distinguishes organic from inorganic molecules?

    Organic molecules contain C-H bonds; inorganic molecules do not.

  • List three important properties of water.

    Required for chemical reactions, high heat capacity, and excellent solvent.

  • What does the pH scale measure?

    The acidity or alkalinity (basicity) of a solution.

  • What is the normal pH range of most body fluids?

    Between 7.35 and 7.45.

  • What happens if blood pH drops below 7 or rises above 7.8?

    Below 7 can cause coma; above 7.8 can cause tetany.

  • What do acids do in solution?

    Release hydrogen ions (H⁺).

  • What do bases do in solution?

    Remove hydrogen ions (H⁺).

  • Name the four major classes of biomolecules.

    Carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.

  • What is the monomer of carbohydrates?

    Monosaccharides, which provide energy.

  • Do lipids have monomers? What are their functions?

    Lipids do not have true monomers; they provide insulation, cushion organs, and serve as energy reservoirs.

  • What are the monomers of proteins and their functions?

    Amino acids; proteins support structure, movement, transport, and more.

  • What are nucleic acids made of and their function?

    Made of nucleotides; they store genetic information.

  • How is ATP used to produce energy in cells?

    Energy is released by hydrolysis breaking the bond of the 3rd phosphate group, forming ADP.

  • Write the chemical equation for ATP formation.

    \(\text{ADP} + \text{P}_i + \text{Energy} \leftrightarrow \text{ATP} + \text{H}_2\text{O}\)