Vocabulary
amino acids Monomers that combine to make protein chains.
atom The simplest and smallest particle of matter that still retains the physical and chem-
ical properties of the element; the building block of all matter.
ATP Adenosine triphosphate, the energy ”currency” of the cell.
carbohydrates Classoforganiccompoundthatincludessugar, starch, celluloseandchitin.
electron A negatively charged particle in the atom, found outside of the nucleus.
element A substance that cannot break down into a simpler substance with different prop-
erties.
enzyme Protein that speeds up a chemical reaction by binding to the reactants (sub-
strates).
functional groups Groups of atoms that give a compound its unique chemical properties.
lipids Class of organic compound that includes fats, oils, waxes and phospholipids.
matter Anything that takes up space and has mass.
neutrons The non-charged particle of the atom; located in nucleus of the atom.
nucleic acid Class of organic compound that includes DNA and RNA.
organic compounds Compounds made up of a carbon backbone and associated with
living things.
phospholipids Lipid molecule that makes up cell membranes.
product The end result formed from a chemical reaction.