Anatomy and Physiology: The Unity
of Form and Function Chapter 2
Biochemistry - the study of the molecules that compose living organisms
Element - the simplest form of matter to have unique chemical properties
Trace Elements - An element indispensable for life but required in extremely minute
amounts.
Radioisotopes - unstable isotopes
Radioactivity - the process of decay of Radioisotopes
Ionizing Radiation - Enough energy to dislodge electrons from atoms, forming ions;
capable of causing cancer (gamma, X-rays, UV)
Physical Half-Life - the time required for 50% of its atoms to decay to a more stable
state
Ions - charged particles with unequal number of protons and electrons
Anion - A negatively charged ion
Cation - A positively charged ion
Electrolytes - substances that ionize in water and form solutions capable of conducting
electricity
Free Radicals - chemical particles with an odd number of electrons
Molecules - chemical particles composed of two or more atoms united by a chemical
bond
Compounds - molecules composed of two or more elements
Isomers - molecules with identical molecular formulaes but different arrangements of
their atoms
Molecular Weight - the sum of the atomic weights of its atoms
Antioxidant - a chemical that neutralizes free radicals
Chemical Bonds - A union between the electron structures of two or more atoms
of Form and Function Chapter 2
Biochemistry - the study of the molecules that compose living organisms
Element - the simplest form of matter to have unique chemical properties
Trace Elements - An element indispensable for life but required in extremely minute
amounts.
Radioisotopes - unstable isotopes
Radioactivity - the process of decay of Radioisotopes
Ionizing Radiation - Enough energy to dislodge electrons from atoms, forming ions;
capable of causing cancer (gamma, X-rays, UV)
Physical Half-Life - the time required for 50% of its atoms to decay to a more stable
state
Ions - charged particles with unequal number of protons and electrons
Anion - A negatively charged ion
Cation - A positively charged ion
Electrolytes - substances that ionize in water and form solutions capable of conducting
electricity
Free Radicals - chemical particles with an odd number of electrons
Molecules - chemical particles composed of two or more atoms united by a chemical
bond
Compounds - molecules composed of two or more elements
Isomers - molecules with identical molecular formulaes but different arrangements of
their atoms
Molecular Weight - the sum of the atomic weights of its atoms
Antioxidant - a chemical that neutralizes free radicals
Chemical Bonds - A union between the electron structures of two or more atoms
