Chapter 2 The Chemistry of Life Key Terms

Chapter 2: The Chemistry of Life Key Terms

Monomer • A simple molecule that can form polymers by combining with identical or similar molecules • When acrylonitrile monomer undergoes chemical reactions under controlled condition of elevated heat and pressure- acrylic polymer is derived.

Monosaccharide • A sugar (like sucrose or fructose) that does not hydrolyse to give other sugars; the simplest group of carbohydrates. • A compound containing three monosaccharide units is a trisaccharide.

Neutrons • An elementary particle with 0 charge and mass about equal to a proton; enters into the structure of the atomic nucleus. • In atomic physics they are represented as Proton, Neutron, Electron, the three elements of all structure throughout nature.

Nucleic acid • any of various macromolecules composed of nucleotide chains that are vital constituents of all living cells. • Nucleic acids contain carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and phosphorus.

Nucleotide • A phosphoric ester of a nucleoside; the basic structural unit of nucleic acids (DNA or RNA). • What genes do is not simply replicate their nucleotide sequences exactly.

Polymer • A naturally occurring or synthetic compound consisting of large molecules made up of a linked series of repeated simple monomers. • Alternatively, a polymer solution can be thought of as a system formed by the condensation of solvent into a polymer.

Products • A chemical substance formed as a result of a chemical reaction • Soot is usually the product of the imperfect combustion of fuel.

Protein • Any of a large group of nitrogenous organic compounds that are essential constituents of living cells; consist of polymers of amino acids; essential in the diet of animals for growth and for repair of tissues; can be obtained from meat and eggs and milk and legumes. • Protein molecules compose all the complex working parts of living cells.

Proton • A stable particle with positive charge equal to the negative charge of an electron. • Proton concentrations for each sample were then calculated from the hydrogen ion activity and the combined sodium and potassium concentrations.

Reactants • A chemical substance that is present at the start of a chemical reaction. • The relative amounts of reactants and products, measured in moles, are indicated by the coefficients in the balanced equation.

Solute • The dissolved substance in a solution; the component of a solution that changes its state. • Overall solute concentrations, notably chloride, sulphate and aluminium, are higher in the former which are also more acidic.

Solution • A homogeneous mixture of two or more substances; frequently (but not necessarily) a liquid solution. • A solution of sugar boils down to a syrup.

Solvent • a liquid substance capable of dissolving other substances. • Gasoline is a solvent liquid which removes grease spots.

Substrate • the substance that is acted upon by an enzyme or ferment. • Substrate was applied to the sections and incubated for 3 -5 min, resulting in a brown reaction product.