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 transfered
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 reactions 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 (H20), ammonia (NH3), table salt (NaCl), and carbon dioxide (CO2)
Ion
an electrically charged "atom" that has either gained or lost electrons
Ionic bond
a chemical bond formed when elements transfer (donate or accept) electrons
Macromolecules (or macronutrients)
the large biomolecules that make up living organisms; include proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids
Molecules
a chemical combinations of two or more atoms that form a separate substance; for examples, one molecule of water h20 is made up two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom
Monomer
a small molecule that may be chemically bonded to other like molecules to form a polymer