Introduction to Biochemistry

• Biology

What is matter?

1. Anything that has mass
2. Anything that takes up space
3. Anything made of atoms
4. All of the above

What is matter made of?

All matter is made up of elements. Each element on the periodic table has its own distinct atom. We can tell atoms apart from one another by the number of protons, neutrons, & electrons they have.

What are atoms?

Atoms are the smallest particles of matter.

They are made of three subatomic particles:

1. Positive protons
2. Neutral neutrons
3. Negative electrons

Protons and neutrons are in the nucleus, electrons are outside.

Sodium - 11 protons, 12 neutrons, & 11 electrons

Carbon - 6 protons, 6 neutrons, & 6 electrons

Chemical Compounds

Compounds - a substance formed by the chemical combination of two or more elements

Compounds are held together by chemical bonds

Types of Bonds

Covalent bonds - When atoms share electrons to create a bond; the chemical created is then called a molecule (water molecules are an example of this type of chemical bond)

Ionic bonds - When one or more electrons is transferred from one atom to another, making one atom positively charged and the other negatively charged (they are then called ions)

Types of Bonds

Hydrogen bonds - bonds between hydrogen and closeby atoms (allows liquid water to flow)

Carbon

-  4 electrons available for bonding, making it unique.  

- It has a tendency to form long, complex covalent bonds with other molecules

- Carbon is the base for all living things & is necessary for life!