Biology 235 Human Anatomy and Physiology

Study Guide

Chapter 2
The Chemical Level of Organization

Objectives

After completing this chapter, you should be able to

  1. identify, by name and symbol, the principal chemical elements of the human body.
  2. describe the basic structure of an atom, ion, molecule and compound.
  3. explain, briefly, how ionic, covalent and hydrogen bonds are formed.
  4. define the term chemical reaction, and explain the basic differences between synthesis, decomposition, exchange and reversible reactions.
  5. list and compare the properties of inorganic acids, bases, salts and water.
  6. define the term pH, and explain the role of buffer systems in homeostasis.
  7. compare the structure and functions of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, DNA, RNA and adenosine triphosphate (ATP).
  8. describe the characteristics of enzymes, and discuss their functions.

Keywords and Topics

Make certain that you can define, and use in context, each of the terms listed below, and that you understand the significance of each of the concepts.

  1. Identify, by name and symbol, the principal chemical elements of the human body.
    1. chemical element
    2. chemical symbol
    3. major elements
    4. lesser elements
    5. trace elements
  2. Describe the basic structure of an atom, ion, molecule, compound and free radicle.
    1. atom
    2. subatomic particles
      1. nucleus
        1. proton
        2. neutron
      2. electrons
        1. electron shells
    3. atomic number
    4. mass number
    5. isotopes
    6. atomic mass
    7. ion
      1. ionization
    8. molecule
    9. compound
    10. free radical
  3. Explain, briefly, how ionic, covalent and hydrogen bonds are formed.
    1. chemical bond
      1. valence shell of electrons
      2. ionic bond
        1. cation
        2. anion
        3. electrolyte
      3. covalent bond; single, double, triple
        1. nonpolar
        2. polar
        3. electronegativity
      4. hydrogen bond
      5. surface tension
  4. Define the term chemical reaction, and explain the basic differences between synthesis, decomposition, exchange and reversible reactions.
    1. chemical reaction
      1. reactants
      2. products
      3. catalysts
      4. synthesis reactions (anabolism)
      5. decomposition reactions (catabolism)
      6. exchange reaction
      7. reversible reaction
      8. oxidation–reduction reactions
  5. List and compare the properties of inorganic acids, bases, salts and water.
    1. inorganic compound
    2. organic compound
    3. water
    4. water as a solvent: solution, solvent, solute
      1. hydrophilic
      2. hydrophobic
    5. water in chemical reactions
      1. hydrolysis
      2. dehydration synthesis reaction
    6. thermal properties of water
      1. heat capacity
    7. water as a lubricant
    8. mixture
    9. colloid
    10. suspension
    11. concentration
      1. mole
    12. acid
      1. hydrogen ion (H+)
    13. base
      1. hydroxide ion (OH−)
    14. salt
  6. Define the term pH, and explain the role of buffer systems in homeostasis.
    1. acid base balance
      1. pH scale
      2. acidic solution
      3. basic (alkaline) solution
      4. buffer systems
        1. acidosis
        2. alkalosis
      5. carbonic acid bicarbonate buffer system
  7. Compare the structure and functions of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, DNA, RNA and adenosine triphosphate (ATP).
    1. macromolecules
      1. polymers
      2. monomers
      3. isomers
    2. carbohydrate
      1. monosaccharide
      2. disaccharide
      3. polysaccharide; starches; cellulose
      4. glycogen
    3. lipid
      1. hydrophobic
      2. lipoprotein
      3. fatty acid; saturated and unsaturated
      4. triglyceride or triacylglycerol
        1. glycerol
      5. Phospholipid
        1. amphipathic
      6. steroid
        1. cholesterol
      7. eicasanoids
      8. prostaglandins
      9. leukotrienes
    4. protein
      1. functions of proteins—Table 2.8
      2. amino acid
      3. peptide bond
      4. dipeptide, tripeptide, peptide, polypeptide
      5. primary structure, secondary structure, tertiary structure, quaternary structure
      6. fibrous and globular proteins
      7. denaturation
    5. nucleic acid
      1. deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)
      2. ribonucleic acid (RNA)
      3. nucleotide
        1. nitrogenous base
        2. deoxyribose
      4. double helix
      5. ribose
      6. adenosine triphosphate (ATP)
      7. adenosine diphosphate (ADP)
  8. Describe the characteristics of enzymes, and discuss their functions.
    1. enzyme
    2. substrate
    3. active site
    4. enzyme-substrate complex

Complete the “Chapter Review and Resource Summary” at the end of the chapter.

Use the “Practice Questions” and the various “Interactivity” tools found in each eText chapter in WileyPLUS. Working through these activities will test your understanding of the material presented and ensure your notes are complete.