A Strong Partner for Sustainable Development

Module
in
BIO SCI 101C

GENERAL BIOLOGY

College of Agriculture
BSA
2

Module No. _3_

THE BASIS OF LIFE

Topic

1st Semester AY 2020-2021

VIMBEE C. ALIPOON-ERESUELA
Instructor 1

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

Cover page 1
Title Page 2
Table of Contents 3
Instruction to the Users 4

Introduction 5
Chapter
Title of the Chapter 6
Overview 6
Learning outcomes 6

Pre-test 7
Lesson 1 9
A. Learning outcomes 9
B. Time Allotment 9
C. Discussion 9
a. Introduction 9
b. Matter 10
c. Elements 10
d. The Atom 11
e. Compound and molecules 16
D. Activities/Exercises 21

E. Evaluation/Post-test 21

References
Greetings and Student Information
Back cover (WPU- Vision 2020, Mission and Core Values

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INSTRUCTION TO THE USER

This module would provide you an educational experience while

independently accomplishing the task at your own pace or time. It aims as
well to ensure that learning is unhampered by health and other challenges. It
covers the topic about The Basis of Life.

Reminders in using this module:

1. Keep this material neat and intact.

2. Answer the pretest first to measure what you know and what to be
learned about the topic discussed in this module.
3. Accomplish the activities and exercises as aids and reinforcement for
better understanding of the lessons.
4. Answer the post-test to evaluate your learning.
5. Do not take pictures in any parts of this module nor post it to social
media platforms.
6. Value this module for your own learning by heartily and honestly
answering and doing the exercises and activities. Time and effort were
spent in the preparation in order that learning will still continue amidst
this Covid-19 pandemic.
7. Observe health protocols: wear mask, sanitize and maintain physical
distancing.

Hi! I’m Blue Bee, your WPU Mascot.

Welcome to Western Philippines University!

Shape your dreams with quality learning experience.

STAY SAFE AND HEALTHY!

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INTRODUCTION

This module will serve as an alternative learning material to usual way of

classroom teaching and learning delivery. The instructor will facilitate and explain the

module to the students to achieve its expected learning outcomes, activities and to

ensure that they will learn amidst of pandemic.

The General Biology introduces students to the field of biology, the study of life.

After tackling what differentiates living systems from non-living systems, the origins

and history of life on Earth are discussed. The course covers the diversity of form and

function across the three Domains--Eubacteria, Archaea, Eukarya--as well as viruses,

on the molecular, cellular, and tissue levels.

This chapter focuses on The Basis of Life. It aims to give basic understanding of

chemical basis of life, chemical compound in living organism and cell function and

structure,

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CHAPTER 2

CHEMICAL BASIS OF LIFE

Overview

Module III covers the Chemical basis of life. This module includes three lessons:
Lesson 1 – chemical basis of life 2- chemical compound in living cells; and 3- cell
function and structure
The elements carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur, and phosphorus are
the key building blocks of the chemicals found in living things. They form the
carbohydrates, nucleic acids, proteins, and lipids (all of which will be defined later in
this chapter) that are the fundamental molecular components of all organisms. In this
chapter, we will discuss these important building blocks and learn how the unique
properties of the atoms of different elements affect their interactions with other at oms
to form the molecules of life.
Food provides an organism with nutrients—the matter it needs to survive.
Many of these critical nutrients come in the form of biological macromolecules, or
large molecules necessary for life. These macromolecules are built from different
combinations of smaller organic molecules. What specific types of biological
macromolecules do living things require? How are these molecules formed? What
functions do they serve? In this chapter, we will explore these questions.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this chapter, you can:

 Discuss atoms and elements as the chemical basis of life, describe their
behavior, roles and characteristics and identify the chemical elements
present in living organism
 Define the cells and its function, enumerate the different subcellular
structures and distinguish the different cell structures in plans and
animals
 Describe the cell cycle and what transpires during each stage of the cycle.

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Pre-test

Directions: Answer the pre-test with honesty. This not graded exam but please do you
best to evaluate your fore knowledge. Do this in a separate sheet.

Test 1. Identify the following

__________1. defined as anything that occupies space and possesses mass.

__________2. the smallest component of an element that retains all of the chemical
properties of that element.

__________3. the smallest part of a compound that still has the properties of the
particular compound.

__________4. are atoms of the same element that differ in the number of neutrons.

__________5. a substance that cannot be broken down into simpler substances with
different properties by ordinary chemical means

Test 2. Multiple Choice. Choose the letter of the correct answer.

1. Which of the following best describes a proton?

a. one negative charge, no mass, found in orbitals

b. no charge, mass of one, found in nucleus
c. one positive charge, mass of one, found in nucleus
d. subatomic particle with no electric charge

2. The smallest particle of an element that still exhibits the chemical characteristics
of that
element is a(n)
a. proton.
b. atom.
c. orbital.
d. chemical bond.

3. Electrons
a. are the subatomic particles most involved in bonding behavior of atoms.
b. have a positive charge of one.
c. comprises the majority of the mass of an atom.
d. does not participate in the bonding of atoms.

4. The mass number of an atom is the number of

a. electrons plus neutrons in the atom.
b. neutrons in the atom.
c. neutrons plus protons in the atom.
d. protons in the atom.

5. Isotopes of the same element have

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a. the same mass number.

b. the same number of neutrons but different numbers of protons.
c. different numbers of protons and electrons.
d. the same atomic number but differ in their mass numbers.

6. The amount of matter in an object is its

a. element.
b. mass.
c. ionic charge.
d. atomic number.
7. An atom of chlorine has 17 protons and 18 neutrons. Which of the following
statements is true?
a. Chlorine atoms have 18 electrons.
b. Chlorine has an atomic number of 35.
c. Chlorine has 35 electrons.
d. Chlorine has a mass number of 35.

8. The amount of matter in an object is its

a. weight.
b. density.
c. volume.
d. mass.
9. A neutral atom will become a cation if it
a. gains electrons.
b. loses protons.
c. gains protons.
d. loses electrons.

10. When ionic compounds dissolve in water, their ions

a. dissociate or separate from one another.
b. get lost in the solvent.
c. cling tightly together.
d. lose their charge.

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LESSON 1

CHEMICAL BASIS OF LFE

A. Learning outcomes:

At the end of this lesson, you are expected to:

 Describe matter and elements

 Describe the interrelationship between protons, neutrons, and
electrons, and the ways in which electrons can be donated or shared
between atoms

B. Time Allotment: 2 hours

C. Discussion

Introduction

At its most fundamental level, life is made up of matter. Matter occupies space
and has mass. All matter is composed of elements, substances that cannot be broken
down or transformed chemically into other substances. Each element is made of
atoms, each with a constant number of protons and unique properties. A total of 118
elements have been defined; however, only 92 occur naturally, and fewer than 30 are
found in living cells. The remaining 26 elements are unstable and, therefore, do not
exist for very long or are theoretical and have yet to be detected.
Each element is designated by its chemical symbol (such as H, N, O, C, and
Na), and possesses unique properties. These unique properties allow elements to
combine and to bond with each other in specific ways.

Organisms (living things) are made of chemicals. Organisms are made of the
same chemicals as inanimate (non-living) things. In other words, many of the same
chemicals that make up your body can be found in rocks, water, asphalt, steel, etc.

Everything in and around you is "chemistry". You might actually call your
physical body a "bag of chemical'"

An understanding of the basic principles of Chemistry is necessary to

understand biology. So, we will spend the next lecture or two studying a few
important topics of chemistry.

Webster's Dictionary definition of chemistry -science dealing with

composition and properties of substances, and with the reactions by which
substances are produced or changed.

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Matter

Matter is defined as anything that occupies space and possesses mass.

Space is defined in Webster's dictionary as -the continuous 3-dimensional

expanse in which all things are contained.

Mass is defined in Webster's dictionary as -a quantity of matter of indefinite shape

and size, a lump.

There are 2 kinds of matter.

A. Living -like you and other animals and plants

B. Non-living -like rocks. Asphalt, water, steel, etc.

Matter exists in only 3 distinct states. One state can be converted to another by
addition or subtraction of heat.

A. Solid -HOH exists as a solid (ice) below 31 degrees F

B. Liquid -HOH exists as a liquid between 31 degrees F and 111 degrees F

C. Gas -HOH exists as a gas (water vapor) above 111 degrees F

Elements

All matter (both living and non-living) is made up of elements. Our textbook
defines an element as -a substance that cannot be broken down into simpler
substances with different properties by ordinary chemical means. A property is this
definition is a physical or chemical trait such as melting point, solubility, density, etc).

Chemists have identified 92 naturally occurring elements. Some examples

include hydrogen, helium, nitrogen, carbon, etc. Of these 92 naturally occurring
elements, only 6 elements are basic to life and make up about 95% of the body weight
of organisms. These six are: (CHNOPS). Carbon -primary element of all organic
molecules including carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins; Hydrogen -a component of
most organic molecules and in ionic. Form influences the acidity of body fluids;
Nitrogen -a component of proteins and nucleic acids (genetic material); Oxygen -
major component of both organic and inorganic molecules and as a gas is essential
to the oxidation of glucose and other food fuels during which cellular energy ATP is
captured; Phosphorus -present as a salt and in combination with calcium in bones and
teeth. Also present in nucleic acids; Sulfur -a component of proteins, especially
proteins of muscles.

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The Atom

Figure 1. Atoms are made up of protons and neutrons located within the nucleus, and electrons surrounding
the nucleus.

Atomic Theory and Definition

The atomic theory states that elements consist of tiny particles called atoms.
The word atom comes from the Greek word "atomos" which means uncut or
indivisible
An atom is the smallest component of an element that retains all of the
chemical properties of that element.
Atoms are small. A line of about 1 million would fit in the period at the end of a
sentence in our textbook. 100 million arranged in a row would measure about 1 inch.
Atomic Symbols
Scientists have developed a 1 or 2 letter symbol as an abbreviation for each kind
of atom.

These abbreviations are called the Atomic Symbol. Note that the Atomic Symbol
is also used as the symbol for the corresponding element.

Examples of atomic symbols include:

Hydrogen-H
Radon -Ra
Sodium-Na
Carbon -C

Anatomy of an Atom -Subatomic Particles

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Physicist’s have split atoms apart and identified over 100 kinds of
subatomic particles. We will only study 3.

Protons
Neutrons
Electrons

Protons
 are found in the nucleus of the atom
 possess a positive + charge.
Neutrons
 are found in the nucleus of the atom
 possess a neutral 0 charge.

Electrons
 Are found moving around the nucleus in an area often called the
electron shell.
 Modem theory is that electrons form a haze or cloud about the
atomic nucleus.
 Electrons have a negative -charge.
 Electrons travel around a positively + charged nucleus at varying
distances from the nucleus at high velocities.

Note that atoms are mostly empty space.

An analogy from our textbook says:

“if an atom were the size of a football field. The nucleus would
be the size of a symbol/ at the 50-yard line in the center of the
field, electrons would be tiny specks whirling around the
upper stands”

Atomic Number and Mass Number

All atoms of an element have the same number of protons in the nucleus.

The Atomic Number is the number of protons in the atom's nucleus, what is the
Atomic Number for Helium? (2)

The Mass Number is the number of protons and neutrons in the atom's nucleus.
Using our handout, what is the Mass Number for Helium? (4)

For a given atom, the Atomic Symbol, Atomic Number, and Mass Number are
written as follows:

Why are these two values important in biology? They help predict how
substances might behave in individual cells, in multi-cellular organisms, and in
the environment.

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Let’s try it…

1. How many protons in the atom’s nucleus of carbon? _________

2. How many proton in the atom’s nucleus of chlorine?________

3. How many protons in the atom’s nucleus of sodium?________
4. what is the Atomic Number for potassium?_______
5. what is the Atomic Number for oxygen?_________

Electrons and Energy Levels

An atom is electrically neutral when the (+) positive charges of protons in the
nucleus equals the (-) negative charges of electrons orbiting about the nucleus.

The Bohr Model uses a 2-dimensional approach to show electron positions and
levels. (Note -that the atom in reality is 3-dimensional)

Nucleus
st
1 shell
nd
2 shell
rd
3 shell

Bohr Model
Adapted from http://www.sciencespot.net/Media/atomsfam.pdf

Electrons orbit around the atom nucleus at different levels or shells. For
example, see chart below with electron values taken from Bohr Model Handout.

Each shell (or level) is restricted to the number of electrons it can contain.

1. The first shell surrounding the nucleus never contains more than 2
electrons. (Note -hydrogen is the only atom to possess only 1 electron)

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2. The second shell may contain up to 8 electrons, but never more than 8.
(Note oxygen has only 6 electrons in second shell while phosphorus has 8)

3. The Octet Rule states -the outer electron shell is most stable when it has 8
electrons. (Note –there are some atoms that contain 7 electron shells or
level)

4. The outer shell is caned the valence shell.

 The number of electrons in the valence shell determines whether

an atom gives up, accepts, or shares electrons to get to the needed
8 electrons to achieve stability. (Remember the octet rules)
 Atoms with more than 4 electrons in the outer shell have a
tendency to gain or accept electrons.
 Atoms with fewer than 4 electrons in the outer shell have a
tendency to lose or give up electrons
 The bonding capacity of atoms during chemical reactions is
determined by the number of electrons of its outer orbit -the
valence orbit.

So let’s try it….

How to draw a Lithium atom?, First, look at the Periodic Table. Second,
determine the number of protons (Look @ the atomic number). Then determine
the number of neutrons (Atomic mass – atomic number). Then determine the
number of electrons (Look @ the atomic number). Plot in the Bohr model.

Li

Lithium
A tomic
7 weight

Try it on your own: look at the periodic table for atomic number and weight to
determine the proton, neutron and electron. And plot in a Bohr model.

1. Carbon 5. sulfur
2. Nitrogen
3. Chlorine
4. sodium

Electron Energy Levels

Electron shells or orbits can also be thought of as energy levels.

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For example, the sulfur atom has 3 electron shells and therefore 3 energy levels.
Negatively (-) charged electrons are attracted to the (+) positively charged
protons in the nucleus.
It takes energy to push electrons away from the (+) positively charged nucleus
and keep them in their own shell or orbit.
The farther away from the nucleus the more energy it takes to keep electrons in
their own shell.
Therefore -the farther away from the nucleus the greater the amount of
energy contained in the electron shell.

Question: Which orbit contains more energy in the sulfur atom?

rd
The innermost electron orbit or the outer (3 ) orbit?

Electron energy levels play an important role in nature in a critical biological

process called photosynthesis. (Why is photosynthesis important to life on earth?)
• During photosynthesis, energy from the sun is absorbed by certain
atoms in the plant cell and electrons are boosted to a higher electron
orbit. (a higher energy level)
• lower electron orbit (a lower energy level) and energy is released that
is used by the plant cell to complete photosynthesis and produce
oxygen.
• Our textbook states that -"Our (humans) very existence is dependent
on the energy of electrons".

The Periodic Table of Elements

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The Periodic Table of Elements is a table that organizes all the known elements
(atoms) according to certain characteristics like their atomic number, the number of
electron shells, and other characteristics.

Isotopes
Textbook definition -Isotopes are atoms of the same element that differ in the
number of neutrons. (Remember that all atoms of the same element have the same
number of protons)

Another definition could be -Isotopes are atoms of the same element which have
the same Atomic Number, but different Mass Numbers. WHY? (Remember that the
Mass Number of an atom is the number of protons plus the number, of neutrons)
Isotopes differ physically, but behave in a similar fashion both chemically and
physically.

Many elements found in nature have several isotopes; however, a great many
isotopes have been made by man.
The carbon atom has three common isotopes that can be written as:

Carbon 12 - -(has 6 neutrons)

Carbon 13 - -(has 7 neutrons)
Carbon 14 - -(has 8 electrons, radioactive, and unstable)

There are many medical uses of radioactive isotopes.

A. To diagnose cancer and other diseases

B. To treat cancer.
C. To sterilize medical and dental products

Compounds and Molecules

1. Compounds and molecules are the result of chemical reactions where

atoms of different elements bond together.

2. Atoms do not normally exist singly or alone.

3. Atoms are most often joined to other atoms to form molecules.

4. Atoms forming molecules are held together by chemical bonds.

5. Recall these two facts we have already discussed.

A. Chemical reactions take place primarily between electrons in the

outer shell or outer energy level of separate atoms.

B. The bonding capacity of atoms is determined by the number of

electrons in its outer shell -the valence shell.

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Definitions

Textbook definition of compound -a compound exists when 2 or more elements

Textbook states -a molecule is the smallest part of a compound that still has the
properties of the particular compound.

A molecule is composed of 2 or more atoms.

A glass of water can be said to contain the compound

water, including 10s of thousands of water molecules.

In practice these two terms (compound and molecule) can be used interchangeably.

A chemical formula tells the number of each kind of atom in a molecule.

One molecule of glucose can be written as C6 H1 2 O6

Indicating 6 atoms of carbon 12 atoms of hydrogen 6 atoms of oxygen

The electron bonds contain energy.

During chemical reactions where glucose is broken down, electrons shift their
energy levels and energy is released.

Ionic Bonding

Textbook defines an ionic bond as a chemical bond in which ions are

attracted to one another by opposite charges.
Textbook definition of ion -a charged particle that carries a negative or positive
charge.
Example of Ionic Bonding -Na (sodium) and CI (chloride)
1. Na (sodium) atom
rd
 Has only 1 electron in its outer (3 ) shell and tends to be an
electron donor
 Once it gives up this electron its 2n d shell with 8 electrons
becomes the outer shell (remember the octet rule).

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2. CI (chloride) atom
Td
 Has 7 electrons in its outer (3 ) shell and tends to be an
electron acceptor
 By accepting 1 more electrons it its outer shell it will have 8.

When Na atom and CI atom come together -an electron is transferred from the
Na atom to the Cl atom.

Now both have 8 electrons in their outer shell

But now they are ions. WHY???

 Before bonding each atom (Na and CI) were electrically neutral because
each had the same number of protons and neutrons.
 After bonding the Na atom now has 1 more protons (11) than electrons (10)
and therefore has a +1 charge. It is positively charged, can be called the
sodium ion and is written as Na+.
 After bonding, the Cl atom now has 1 more electrons (18) than protons
(17) and has a -1 charge. It is a negatively charged, can be called the
chloride ion and is written as CI-.

NaCI or table salt is an ionic compound held together by ionic bonding -the
attraction between positive and negative ions.

Table salt occurs in sold form as a 3-dimensional lattice of crystals.

When mixed with water, table salt dissolves and the ions separate in the water.

Covalent Bonding

A. Definition -covalent bond is a chemical bond where atoms share pairs of

electrons.

B. Example of Hydrogen gas -H2

1.) The H atom has only 1 electron shell which needs 2 electrons to be complete.

2.) When 2 hydrogen atoms come together they share their electrons so that
each atom now has a complete outer shell (Remember the 1 st electron shell is
complete with only 2 electrons)

3.) 1 pair of electrons is shared and this is called a single covalent bond.

C. Example of Oxygen gas -02.

1) Oxygen atoms come together and share 2 pair (4 electrons) to achieve an

outer shell of 8 electrons (called an octet) for each oxygen atom.
2) 2 pairs of electrons are shared and this is called a double covalent bond.

D. Example of Methane -CH4.

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1) 4 pairs of electrons are shared between 4 atoms of hydrogen and 1

atom of carbon.
2) Bonds result in all 4 hydrogen atoms having a 2 electron outer shell
and carbon atom having 8 electrons in its outer shell.

Water
Water is truly a remarkable molecule and compound.
It has several properties that make it essential for the survival of life on earth.

1. Hydrogen Bonding

A. The water molecule is V-shaped (see figure below) and this shape results
in a polarity (uneven charges) with the 2 hydrogen atoms being slightly
(+) positive and the oxygen atom being slightly (-) negative.

Hydrogen bonds form between slightly positive (δ+) and slightly negative (δ–) charges of
polar covalent molecules, such as water.

B. This polarity allows a water molecule to form a weak bond with other
water molecules and other atoms and molecules.

C. The slightly (+) positive hydrogen atom in one water molecule is attracted to
the slightly (-) oxygen atom in an adjacent water molecule.

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D. Due to hydrogen bonding, water molecules cling together and give water many
of its important properties.

E. All living things are made of 70% to 90% water'.

F. Recall - we said that normally water melts at 32 degrees F (0 degrees C) and

boils at 212 degrees F (100 degrees C). You can say that water remains a liquid
in a temperature range of180 degrees F.

G. Without hydrogen bonding -water molecules would melt at -148 degrees F

(100 degrees C) and boil at -132 degrees F (-91 degrees C). You can say that
water would only remain a liquid in a much smaller temperature range of16
degrees F.

H. So -without hydrogen bonding most of the water on earth would be steam!!!

I. Note that hydrogen bonding is not unique to water -but occurs in other
molecules (like DNA) that possess hydrogen atoms.

1. Textbook definition of hydrogen bond -the attraction of a slightly positive

hydrogen atom to a slightly negative atom in the vicinity.

Acids and Bases

1. Chemical substances can be classified as being either acids or bases.

2. Acids -substances that dissociate in water, releasing hydrogen ions (H+).
(Review definition of ion -a charged (particles that carries a negative or
positive charge)
3. Examples of acid solutions are lemon juice, vinegar, coffee, hydrochloric acid.
4. Acids can be either weak or strong depending on the number of (H+)
ions released. Example -hydrochloric acid is a stronger acid than
vinegar.
5. Bases are substances that either take up (H+) ions or release hydroxide (OH-)
ions.
6. Examples of basic solutions are milk of magnesia and ammonia.
7. The pH scale is used to indicate the degree of acidity or basicity of a solution.
8. The pH scale ranges from a pH of0 to a pHof14.
9. A pH of 7 indicates neutrality.
10. Solutions with a pH of below 7 are considered acidic
11. Solutions with a pH of above 7 are considered basic
12. In living organisms, the pH of body fluids is maintained at a narrow range.
The pH of human blood is always around 7.4 which is slightly basic.
13. Buffers are chemicals that take up excess (H+) ions or (OH-) ions and keep the
pH of body fluids within normal limits.

REMINDERS:

TO FURTHER YOUR KNOWLEDGE ABOUT THIS TOPIC READ THE

ATTACH LESSON ENTITLED “THE BUILDING BLOCKS OF
MOLECULES”

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C. Activities and Exercises

Let’s do this!

Explain the following briefly.

1. Differentiate molecules and compound

2. What is atoms?
3. What is elements?
4. What is chemical bond?

D. Post-test/Evaluation

Directions: Read carefully and answer the following questions. Answer on separate
sheet of paper. This is a graded exam. This test will evaluate how much you effort to
learn this topic.

Test 1. Multiple Choice.

1. The atomic number of an element is equivalent to the:

a. Number of an electron of an atom
b. Number of protns of an atom
c. Nuber of protons and neutron of an atoms
d. Number of protons, neutrons and electron of an atom

2. An element is composed of one kind of:

a. atom b. bond c. electron d. proton

3. Many elements, such as hydrogen and carbon, have several isotopic frms which
statement does not characterized isotopes?
a. They have the same number of electrons
b. They have the same atomic number
c. They have the same number of neutrons
d. They have identical chemical properties

4. The amount of matter in an object is its

a. element. b. mass c. ionic charge d. atomic number

5. The three forms of matter are:

a. air, water, and solids.
b. solids, liquids, and gases.
c. blood, bone, and air.
d. vapor, water, and solid.

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6. The four most abundant elements in the human body are

a. calcium, hydrogen, sodium, and potassium.
b. carbon, oxygen, magnesium, and zinc.
c. carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and iron.
d. carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen.

7. An atom has an atomic number of 19 and a mass number of 39. This atom will have
a. 19 neutrons b. 39 neutrons c. 20 electrons d. 20 neutrons

8. In ionic bonding,
a. electrons are transferred from one atom to another.
b. the charge of the ion does not play a role in the bond.
c. only non-polar molecules are involved.
d. two hydrogen atoms share one pair of electrons.

9. Covalent bonds form when

a. atomic nuclei fuse.
b. electrons are shared between two atoms.
c. neutrons are transferred from one atom to another.
d. molecules become ionized.

10. A substance composed of two or more different types of atoms is a(n)

a. element.
b. compound and a molecule.
c. compound.
d. molecule.

11. Sodium chloride is considered a(n)

a. molecule.
b. element.
c. compound.
d. Molecule

12. Hydrogen bonds form between molecules containing _________ bonds; the
hydrogen bond is between a hydrogen atom of one molecule and a partially
_________ charged atom of another.
a. polar covalent; negatively
b. nonpolar covalent; negatively
c. nonpolar covalent; positively
d. polar covalent; positively

13. cation is
a. a molecule that conducts electricity when placed in solution.
b. an alteration in the three-dimensional structure of a protein.
c. a positively charged ion.
d. a combination of atoms held together by chemical bonds.

14. An anion is
a. a molecule that conducts electricity when placed in solution.
b. a negatively charged ion.
c. a combination of atoms held together by chemical bonds.

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d. an alteration in the three-dimensional structure of a protein.

15. A molecule is
a. a substance that conducts electricity when placed in solution.
b. a positively charged ion.
c. an alteration in the three-dimensional structure of a protein.
d. a combination of atoms held together by chemical bonds.
16. A group of water molecules are held together by
a. double covalent bonds.
b. polar covalent bonds.
c. ionic bonds.
d. hydrogen bonds.

17. The molecular formula H2O means

a. 1 hydrogen atom and 2 oxygen atoms.

b. 1 hydrogen atom and 1 oxygen atom.
c. 2 hydrogen atoms and 1 oxygen atom.
d. 2 hydrogen atoms and 2 oxygen atoms.

18. Molecules that form when electrons are shared unequally between atoms are
called?

a. salt molecules.
b. polar molecules.
c. nonpolar molecules.
d. lopsided molecules.
19. These bonds form when an electron is shared between two elements and are t he
strongest and most common form of chemical bond in living organisms.
a. hydrogen bond
b. ionic bond
c. covalent bond
d. all of the above

20. When ionic compounds dissolve in water, their ions

a. dissociate or separate from one another.
b. get lost in the solvent.
c. cling tightly together.
d. lose their charge.

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E. References

OpenStax College. Themes and Concepts of Biology .

http://cnx.org/contents/b3c1e1d2-839c-42b0-a314-
[email protected]:1/Concepts_of_Biology.
https://courses.lumenlearning.com/biology1/chapter/the-building-blocks-of-
molecules//

Penecillia G. L., L.D. Valmonte, M. M. Fandialan, M. J. formacion, A. M. M. Sandoval,

N P. Esmeralda (2003). Basic Concept in Biology. (First Edition) Trinitas Publishing,
Inc. (p. 4, 6, 15)

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