Atom
The smallest portion of an element found in the periodic chart; examples include carbon, oxygen, gold
Biomolecule
An organic molecule produced by a living organism
Chemical bond
A connection made between atoms when electrons are attracted, shared, or transferred
Condensation reaction (or Dehydration synthesis)
A chemical reaction that combines smaller molecules and forms water as a byproduct; the reaction is often used to form polymers
Covalent bond
A chemical bond formed when elements share electrons
Hydrolysis reaction
A chemical reaction between water and another molecule that breaks down the molecule into simpler molecules; the reaction splits a water molecule to break apart a polymer into monomers
Inorganic molecule
A molecule that is not organic; most (but not all) do not include carbon; examples include water (H2O), ammonia (NH3), table salt (NaC1), and carbon dioxide (CO2)
Ion
An electricity charged "atom" that has either gained or lost electrons
Ionic bond
A chemical bond formed when elements transfer (donated or accept) electrons
Macromolecules (or macronutrients)
The large biomolecules that make up living organisms; include proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids
Molecule
A chemical combination of two or more atoms that forms a separate substance; for example, one molecule of water (H2O) is made up of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom
Monomer
A small molecule that may be chemically bonded to other like molecules to form a polymer
Organic molecules
Carbon-containing molecules that are generally associated with living organisms
Polymer
A long chain of monomers (small, repeating molecules)
Polymerization
the chemical process of combining monomers to form a polymer; often uses condensation reactions