3.1 Matter and the Environment

Atom

The basic unit of matter.

the characteristic that best defines a macromolecule is its .....

size

Element

A chemical substance that has a specific set of properties that cannot be broken down into substances with other properties.

Molecule

A combination of two or more atoms of the same or different types joined by a covalent bond.

Nucleic acid

A long chain of nucleotides that contains a sugar molecule, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base, and directs protein production.

Lipid

A macromolecule made up of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen,and sometimes phosphorus that does not dissolve in water.

pH

A measure of a solution's acidity or alkalinity, or its hydrogen ion concentration.

Solution

A mixture of evenly distributed ingredients.

Carbohydrate

A polymer made up of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen

Compound

A substance made up of atoms of two or more different elements.

Protein

An organic compound made up of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and sometimes sulfur.

Hydrocarbon

An organic compound that contains only hydrogen and carbon.

Matter

Any material that has mass and occupies space.

Is water an element? Why or why not?

It is a compound because it is made up of two elements hydrogen and oxygen.

Nucleus

Thew central core of any atom that contains protons and neutrons.

Describe the special properties of water that allow it to support life on Earth.

Water sticks to itself which allow it to carry materials in plants and animals. Water is resistant to temperature change, which stabilizes aquatic systems and their climates. Liquid water is denser than frozen water, which allows ice to float and insulate underwater environments. Water is a universal solvent, which allows it to hold important molecules in solutions.

Why is water called "the universal solvent"?

Water's polarity allows it to dissolve many other molecules.

Macromolecule

a LARGE MOLECULE

A solution with a pH less that 7 is .....

acidic

Water molecules adhere to each other through .......bonds.

hydrogen

Its cohesion allows water t transport nutrients and wastes in plants and animals.

true

is water a compound?

yes