What is biochemistry?
Biochemistry is the study of chemical reactions that happen in living organisms.
Give one example of a chemical reaction in a living organism.
Enzymes break down food during digestion.
What are the three subatomic particles in an atom?
Protons, neutrons, and electrons.
What does the atomic number of an element represent?
The number of protons in an atom.
What is a compound? Give one example.
A compound is two or more elements bonded together, like H₂O (water).
What is the difference between covalent and ionic bonds?
Covalent bonds share electrons; ionic bonds transfer electrons.
What are trace elements, and why are they important?
Trace elements are needed in tiny amounts but are essential for health (e.g., iron, zinc).
How are isotopes different from regular atoms?
Isotopes have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons.
Describe one way a physical change differs from a chemical change.
A physical change doesn't form a new substance (like melting); a chemical change does (like burning).
What is metabolism, and why is it important?
Metabolism is the set of chemical reactions in the body that help with energy, growth, and repair
What happens in a decomposition reaction? Give an example.
A big molecule breaks into smaller ones; example: digestion.
Describe a synthesis reaction with an example.
Small molecules join to form a bigger one; example: protein synthesis.
What is an exchange reaction?
Parts of molecules switch places; example: ATP transferring phosphate.
What kind of reaction releases energy?
Exergonic reactions release energy.
What kind of reaction requires energy?
Endergonic reactions require energy.
How are anabolic and catabolic reactions different?
Anabolic builds molecules and uses energy; catabolic breaks molecules and releases energy.
