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Ch 2. Chemistry

Ch 2. Chemistry. Why is it important in biology? Acids vs. Bases Energy in Chem. Rxns. 1. Why is Chemistry important?. The structure and function of all living things are governed by the laws of chemistry Matter = mass + space Chemical changes in matter are essential to all life processes.

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Ch 2. Chemistry

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  1. Ch 2. Chemistry Why is it important in biology? Acids vs. Bases Energy in Chem. Rxns

  2. 1. Why is Chemistry important? • The structure and function of all living things are governed by the laws of chemistry • Matter = mass + space • Chemical changes in matter are essential to all life processes

  3. But why? • All living things are made of the same kinds of matter that make up nonliving things • If you learn how these changes in matter occur, it will be easier for you to understand the life processes of organisms you will study • there are a lot of steps in these processes

  4. 2. Acids vs. Bases • Acids • Number of hydronium (H) ions in a solution > number of hydroxide ions (OH) • Acidity/Alkalinity = measure of the relative amounts of hydronium ions dissolved in a solution • # of hydronium ions = # of hydroxide ions, then the solution is neutral (pure water) • Tend to have a sour taste; if concentrated = corrosive

  5. Acids vs. Bases (cont.) • Bases • Number of hydroxide ions (OH) in a solution > number of hydronium ions (H) • Bitter taste • Feel slippery • Commercial soap is made by reacting a base with a fat

  6. Acids vs. Bases (cont.) • pH scale • 0-14 • Compares relative amnts of H3O+ and OH- ions • Each unit reflects 10x change in ion concentration. • Buffers • Body has buffering systems to maintain safe pH levels

  7. 3. Energy and Chem. Rxns • Every chemical rxn involves either a net absorption or a net release of energy • Some rxns are very complicated/many steps; some are very simple • In order for your body to obtain energy, it must break down sugars from food; ultimately, energy is released for your body to use

  8. Energy and Chem. Rxns (cont.) • Energy just doesn’t appear • Some energy must be used to get the process to begin = activation energy • Energy is added to reactants (usually high amount) • Catalysts lower the amount of activation energy (enzymes are important in living things)

  9. Energy and Chem. Rxns (cont.) • Reduction-Oxidation Rxn (Redox Rxns) • Redox Rxns always occur together • Chemical rxns that help transfer energy in living things involve the transfer of electrons • Reactant loses one or more electrons = becomes more positive (oxidation) • Reactant gains one or more electrons = becomes more negative (reduction)

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