Chapter Outline

All matter is composed of elements, each having one type of atom. 16

Atoms react with one another, forming ions, molecules, and compounds. 19

The existence of living things is dependent on the characteristics of water. 21

The hydrogen ion concentration in water changes when acids or bases are added to water. 23

Macromolecules are polymers that arise when their specific monomers (unit molecules) join together. 26

The molecules found in cells are carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. 26

Carbohydrates function as a ready source of energy in most organisms. 27

Glucose is a simple sugar; starch, glycogen, and cellulose are polymers of glucose. 27

Cellulose lends structural support to plant cell walls. 28

Lipids are varied molecules. 29

Fats and oils, which function in long-term energy storage, are composed of glycerol and three fatty acids. 29

Sex hormones are derived from cholesterol, a complex ring compound. 30

Proteins help form structures (e.g., muscles and membranes) and function as enzymes. 31

Proteins are polymers of amino acids. 32

Nucleic acids are polymers of nucleotides. 35

Genes are composed of DNA. RNA serves as an intermediary during protein synthesis. 35

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