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Biomolecules
Term | Definition |
---|---|
Atom | The most basic unit of matter. |
Element | A substance that cannot be broken down. |
Molecule | A group of two or more atoms that are chemically bonded. |
Compound | A group of two or more molecules that are chemically bonded. |
Atomic number | The number that is listed above the element symbol on a periodic table. It represents the number of protons that the element has, and it determines the element's place on the table. |
Mass number | The protons and the neutrons of an atom added together. |
Atomic weight | The mass of an atom of the element, measured in atomic mass units (amu). Usually listed below the element's symbol on the periodic table. |
Valence electron | The amount of electrons on the outside of an atom. Determines the element's reactivity. |
Electron | The smallest part of an atom. Has a negative charge and is found around the outside of the nucleus. |
Proton | One of the two parts of the atom that is found inside the nucleus. Has a positive charge. |
Neutron | One of the two parts of the atom that is found inside the nucleus. Has no charge. |
Isotope | An imbalanced atom that has a different amount of neutrons than a regular atom of the same element does. |
Radioisotope | An unstable or radioactive isotope. |
Electron configuration | How the electrons are arranged in the energy levels around the nucleus of an atom. |
Bond | A chemical connection that is formed between two or more atoms. |
Polar bond | A covalent bond where the atoms do not share electrons equally. |
Nonpolar bond | A covalent bond where the atoms share electrons equally. |
Hydrogen bond | A weak covalent bond that forms between an atom of hydrogen and the protons of another atom. Keeps DNA linked. |
Solvent | A substance that can dissolve other substances. |
Solution | A mixture that is formed from more than one non-reactive compound. |
Solute | A substance that can be dissolved. |
Hydrophobic | An inability to mix with or dissolve in water. |
Hydrophilic | The ability to mix well with or dissolve in water. |
Amino acid | Organic compounds that are the basic building blocks of proteins. |
Nucleotide | Compounds that are the basic structural units of nucleic acids. |
Peptide bond | A covalent bond that forms between two amino acids. |
Lipid | Compounds which are not soluble in water and are hydrophobic. |
Saturated fat | A fatty acid that has no double bonds and is solid at room temperature. |
Saccharide | A soluable, crystalline carbohydrate. Also known as sugar. |
Specific heat (water) | The amount of heat required to increase the temperature of a substance by 1°C. Water has a very high specific heat. |