CHEMICAL BASIS OF LIFE 2.

ATOM

-Smallest particle of matter non-divisible by chemical means

-Composed of protons (+) and neutron (neutral) in the nucleus and electrons (-) outside
the nucleus

-The smallest unit of an element to enter into chemical reactions

-all atoms of an element have a particular number of protons(atomic number)

-Electrically neutral because the number of protons equals the number of electrons

-Atomic weight depends on the number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus

-Chemical properties depend on the number of electrons in the outer shell

MOLECULES

-Form when two or more atoms of the same element react with one another or combine
with atoms of another element.

The smallest part of a compound that still has the properties of that compound

-could be inorganic or organic molecules

Common elements in living things

1. Oxygen (O) – 65% of human body weight

2. Carbon (C) – 18%

3. Hydrogen (H) – 10%

4. Nitrogen (N) – 3%

5. Sodium (Na) – 0.15%

6. Magnesium (Mg) – 0.05%

7. Phosphorus (P) – 1.1%

8. Sulfur (S) – 0.25%

9. Chlorine (Cl) – 0.15%

10. Potassium (K) – 0.35%

11. Calcium (Ca) – 2%

12. Iron (Fe) – 0.0004%

13.Iodine (I) – 0.0004%

Chemical Bonding

-interactions involving atoms of elements combining with one another

-The attractive force that binds atom together to form molecules

-Determined by the electrons the surrounds the nucleus

-An atom may bond with another atom by either gaining, losing or sharing electrons

Type of Chemical Bonds

Covalent Bond – Electrons are shared; characteristic of most chemicals in living things;
smallest particles formed are called molecules

Ionic Bond – An electron is transferred from one atom to another; ions (charge
particles) are formed- cations, when electron is lost; anions, when electron is gained

Hydrogen Bond - When hydrogen combines with oxygen or with another

electronegative atom; weak and can easily be formed or broken; very important in
biological system; important in determining the structure of DNA, and proteins

INORGANIC MOLECULES

-usually contain positive and negative ions

-atoms are usually held together by ionic bond

-usually composed of short chain

-often associated with non-living things

-includes water, acid and bases, salts, and gases

WATER

- The most abundant component of the protoplasm

- Inorganic compound composed of two atoms of hydrogen and an atom of oxygen
Physical Properties of Water

1. Universal Solvent
2. High specific heat and latent heat of vaporization
3. High degree of thermal conductivity
4. Immiscible with lipids
5. Neutral pH
6. Liquid in form at room temperature
7. High surface tension

Physiological Properties of Water