Chapter Objectives

Chapter 2

Essential Chemistry for Biology

1. Distinguish between matter, chemical elements, and compounds.  Give examples of each.

2. Describe the relative size, location, and electrical charge of protons, neurons, and electrons within an atom.

3. Define isotope and explain how isotopes are used in research and medicine.

4. Explain how the location of electrons determines the chemical properties of an atom.

5. Distinguish between ionic, covalent and hydrogen bonds.  Provide an example of each.

6. Describe the structure of water and explain how this shape makes water a polar molecule.  Explain how water can be a liquid and a solid.

7. Describe four life-supporting properties of water and give an example of how each property affects living organisms. 

8. Distinguish between the chemical properties of acids and bases.  Explain how buffers stabilize the pH of solutions. 

9.  Explain how litmus paper indicates the presence of an acid or base.