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AP Biology - Basic Chemistry Flashcards

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5477712165Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP)A molecule that provides energy for cellular reactions and processes. It releases energy when one of its high‐energy bonds is broken to release a phosphate group.0
5477712166AtomThe most basic unit of matter; the smallest particle of an element1
5477712167Structure of an AtomConsists of mostly empty space; Protons (+) and neutrons (0) make up the tiny, dense nucleus. Electrons (-) exist in orbitals at various energy levels surrounding the nucleus. The electrons involved in forming chemical bonds occupy the outermost energy level (AKA the valence shell)2
5477712168IonAn atom with a positive or negative electric charge3
5477712171ElementSimplest form of matter to have unique chemical properties; a pure substance made of only one kind of atom4
5477712172IsotopeA variant of an element that differs only in its number of neutrons.5
5477712173RadioisotopeHeavier isotopes of certain atoms that become unstable and begin to decompose. Radioactive decay involves the ejection of particles from the nucleus that may cause damage to living cells; These are used in very small amounts to tag biological molecules so they can be followed or traced through the body and used as a tool for medical diagnosis and treatment.6
5477712176Polar moleculeA molecule that has a positive charge on one end and a negative charge on the other due to an imbalance in the way electrons are shared between its atoms.7
5477712177Nonpolar moleculeA molecule that does not have oppositely charged ends because its atoms share electrons equally.8
5477712181Ionic BondA bond formed by the complete transfer of electron(s) from one atom to another. The resulting charged atoms, or ions, are oppositely charged and thus attract each other9
5477712182Covalent BondA bond formed by the sharing of electrons between atoms10
5477712183Hydrogen BondA bond formed when the slightly positive hydrogen atom of a polar covalent bond in one molecule is attracted to the slightly negative atom of a polar covalent bond in another molecule; relatively weak11
5477712184Synthesis ReactionA reaction in which two or more substances combine to form a new compound. A + B --> AB12
5477712186Decomposition ReactionA reaction in which a single compound breaks down to form two or more simpler substances13
5477712188MetabolismThe sum total of the chemical reactions that occur in the body14
5477712189CatabolismChemical reactions that break down complex organic compounds into smaller, simpler ones; releases energy.15
5477712190AnabolismChemical reactions that build up complex organic compounds from smaller, simpler components; requires energy16
5477712191SolventA liquid substance capable of dissolving other substances17
5477712192SoluteA substance that is dissolved in a solution.18
5477712193SolutionA homogenous mixture that forms when one substance (the solvent) dissolves another (the solute).19
5477712194Water (H2O)A liquid made of hydrogen and oxygen that is essential to body function.20
5477712195Oxygen (O2)An inorganic molecule critical to the process of cellular respiration; absorbed by the alveoli of the lungs, required for decomposition reactions that release energy from food.21
5477712196Carbon Dioxide (CO2)An inorganic molecule produced as a cellular waste product during decomposition reactions; helps maintain acid-base balance in body.22
5477712197ElectrolytesThese substances, when dissolved, separate into charged particles (ions). The solution is then capable of conducting an electric current.23
5477712198AcidElectrolytes that release H+ ions in an aqueous solution; proton donors24
5477712199BaseElectrolytes that produce OH- ions in an aqueous solution; proton acceptors25
5477712200SaltAny ionic compound that can be made from the neutralization of an acid with a base26
5477712201PH ScaleMeasurement system used to indicate the concentration of hydrogen ions (H+) in solution; ranges from 0 to 14. 0 is most acidic + and 14 is most basic + or alkaline.27
5477712202BufferA substance that prevents large pH changes in solution to which small quantities of acids or bases are added; stabilizes pH by absorbing or releasing H+ ions as needed28

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