Chapter 2: The Chemistry of Life Key Terms

Monomer A simple molecule that can form polymers by combining with identical or similar molecules When acrylonitrile monomer undergoes chemical reactions under controlled condition of elevated heat and pressure- acrylic polymer is derived.

Monosaccharide A sugar (like sucrose or fructose) that does not hydrolyse to give other sugars; the simplest group of carbohydrates.  A compound containing three monosaccharide units is a trisaccharide.

Neutrons An elementary particle with 0 charge and mass about equal to a proton; enters into the structure of the atomic nucleus. In atomic physics they are represented as Proton, Neutron, Electron, the three elements of all structure throughout nature.

Nucleic acid any of various macromolecules composed of nucleotide chains that are vital constituents of all living cells.  Nucleic acids contain carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and phosphorus.

Nucleotide A phosphoric ester of a nucleoside; the basic structural unit of nucleic acids (DNA or RNA).  What genes do is not simply replicate their nucleotide sequences exactly.

Polymer A naturally occurring or synthetic compound consisting of large molecules made up of a linked series of repeated simple monomers.  Alternatively, a polymer solution can be thought of as a system formed by the condensation of solvent into a polymer.

Products A chemical substance formed as a result of a chemical reaction Soot is usually the product of the imperfect combustion of fuel.

Protein Any of a large group of nitrogenous organic compounds that are essential constituents of living cells; consist of polymers of amino acids; essential in the diet of animals for growth and for repair of tissues; can be obtained from meat and eggs and milk and legumes. Protein molecules compose all the complex working parts of living cells.

Proton A stable particle with positive charge equal to the negative charge of an electron.  Proton concentrations for each sample were then calculated from the hydrogen ion activity and the combined sodium and potassium concentrations.

Reactants A chemical substance that is present at the start of a chemical reaction. The relative amounts of reactants and products, measured in moles, are indicated by the coefficients in the balanced equation.

Solute The dissolved substance in a solution; the component of a solution that changes its state. Overall solute concentrations, notably chloride, sulphate and aluminium, are higher in the former which are also more acidic.

Solution A homogeneous mixture of two or more substances; frequently (but not necessarily) a liquid solution. A solution of sugar boils down to a syrup.

Solvent a liquid substance capable of dissolving other substances. Gasoline is a solvent liquid which removes grease spots.

Substrate the substance that is acted upon by an enzyme or ferment. Substrate was applied to the sections and incubated for 3-5min, resulting in a brown reaction product.