Unit 2 - The Chemical Basis of Life

A molecule that provides energy for cellular reactions and processes. ATP releases energy when one of its high energy bonds is broken to release the phosphate group

The intermolecular attraction between unlike molecules. Capillary action results from the adhesive properties of water and the molecules that make up plant cells

The smallest unit of an element that retains the chemical and physical properties of that element

A group of biomacromolecules that interact with biological systems and their environments

The scientific study of life

A macromolecule that contains atoms of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen in a 1:2:1 ratio and serves as a major source of energy for living organisms (sugars, starches, and cellulose)

A substance that enables a chemical reaction to proceed at a usually faster rate under different conditions (i.e. lower temperature) than otherwise possible without being changed by reaction

The intermolecular attraction between like molecules. Surface tension results from cohesive properties of water

A biological macromolecule that encodes the genetic information for living organisms and is capable of self-replication and the synthesis of ribonucleic acid (RNA)

A protein that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without being changed by the reaction; an organic catalyst

The temperature at which a liquid changes state to a solid

A group of organic compounds mostly of carbon and hydrogen including a proportionally smaller amount of oxygen; are insoluble in water, serve as a source of stored energy, and are a component of cell membranes

A polymer with a high molecular mass. Within organisms there are 4 main groups: carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids

The combination of components and processes that serve a common function

The smallest particle of a substance that retains the chemical and physical properties and is composed of two or more atoms held together by chemical forces