Biology, Eighth Edition (Raven)

Chapter 2: The Nature of Molecules

Learning Outcomes

• Know the structure of an atom.
• Differentiate between atomic number and atomic mass.
• Understand the importance of and the differences between ions and isotopes of an element.
• Know what determines the chemical identity of a given element.
• Understand how molecules undergo reduction and oxidation reactions.
• Water spontaneously dissociates into H+ and OH– ions and is the basis of most buffering systems.
• Understand what controls the combination of elements into molecules.
• Know the characteristics of the various bonds found in living organisms.
• Explain why water is the essence of life as we know it.
• Describe pH in biological and mathematical terms. Know some values for household solutions.