Textbook Question
The principal short-term energy storage molecule in cells is __________ .
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Ch. 2 - The Chemistry of Microbiology
Bauman6th EditionMicrobiology with Diseases by TaxonomyISBN: 9780134832302
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Table of contents
- Ch. 1 - A Brief History of Microbiology31
- Ch. 2 - The Chemistry of Microbiology28
- Ch. 3 - Cell Structure and Function39
- Ch. 4 - Microscopy, Staining, and Classification25
- Ch. 5 - Microbial Metabolism51
- Ch. 6 - Microbial Nutrition and Growth37
- Ch. 7 - Microbial Genetics51
- Ch. 8 - Recombinant DNA Technology21
- Ch. 9 - Controlling Microbial Growth in the Environment36
- Ch. 10 - Controlling Microbial Growth in the Body: Antimicrobial Drugs21
- Ch. 11 - Characterizing and Classifying Prokaryotes29
- Ch. 12 - Characterizing and Classifying Eukaryotes34
- Ch. 13 - Characterizing and Classifying Viruses, Viroids, and Prions23
- Ch. 14 - Infection, Infectious Diseases, and Epidemiology35
- Ch. 15 - Innate Immunity34
- Ch. 16 - Adaptive Immunity21
- Ch. 17 - Immunization and Immune Testing29
- Ch. 18 - Immune Disorders22
- Ch. 19 - Pathogenic Gram-Positive Bacteria25
- Ch. 20 - Pathogenic Gram-Negative Cocci and Bacilli28
- Ch. 21 - Rickettsias, Chlamydias, Spirochetes, and Vibrios25
- Ch. 22 - Pathogenic Fungi47
- Ch. 23 - Parasitic Protozoa, Helminths, and Arthropod Vectors44
- Ch. 24 - Pathogenic DNA Viruses23
- Ch. 25 - Pathogenic RNA Viruses30
- Ch. 26 - Applied and Industrial Microbiology29
- Ch. 27 - Microbial Ecology and Microbiomes22
Bauman6th EditionMicrobiology with Diseases by TaxonomyISBN: 9780134832302Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 2, Problem 2
The atomic mass of an atom most closely approximates the sum of the masses of all its __________.
a. protons
b. isotopes
c. electrons
d protons and neutrons
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that the atomic mass of an atom is a measure of the total mass of the atom's subatomic particles.
Recall that protons and neutrons are located in the nucleus and have significant mass, while electrons have negligible mass compared to protons and neutrons.
Recognize that isotopes are different forms of the same element with varying numbers of neutrons, so atomic mass is not the sum of isotopes but rather the sum of particles within a single atom.
Conclude that the atomic mass most closely approximates the sum of the masses of protons and neutrons, since electrons contribute very little to the total mass.
Therefore, the correct answer corresponds to the choice that includes both protons and neutrons.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Atomic Mass
Atomic mass is the total mass of an atom, usually expressed in atomic mass units (amu). It primarily reflects the combined mass of the atom's protons and neutrons, as electrons have negligible mass. This value approximates the sum of these subatomic particles in the nucleus.
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Atomic Properties
Protons and Neutrons
Protons and neutrons are subatomic particles located in the nucleus of an atom. Protons carry a positive charge, while neutrons are neutral. Both have nearly equal masses, which contribute significantly to the atomic mass, unlike electrons which are much lighter.
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Electrons and Their Mass
Electrons are negatively charged particles orbiting the nucleus with a very small mass compared to protons and neutrons. Because their mass is about 1/1836 that of a proton, electrons contribute minimally to the atomic mass and are generally not included in its calculation.
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Related Practice
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List three main types of chemical bonds, and give an example of each.
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Shown is the amino acid tryptophan. Put the letter “C” at the site of every carbon atom. Label the amino group, the carboxyl group, and the side group.
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