Chapter 2: Chapter Specific Learning Outcomes
From Atoms to Macromolecules
1.Define the term atom and describe its parts.
-Atoms are substances that make up matter and are the smallest units of elements
- The atomic nucleus is the center of an atom and in the atomic nucleus there are protons and
neutrons. The protons are a positive charge and the neutrons are a neutral charge. The electrons
are a negative charge and they are located around the nucleus.
2.Determine the atomic mass, atomic number, and chemical symbol of an element using the
periodic table.
- The element Helium has an atomic mass of 4.003, the atomic number is 2 , and the chemical
symbol is He.
3.Describe the difference between an anion and a cation and state how they are formed.
- The difference between an anion and a cation is the overall charge and gained electrons. In
cations the atoms have lost electrons and have an overall positive charge.
4.Discuss what isotopes are and explain how they are important in medicine.
- All elements exist as a mixture of isotopes, which are atoms with the same number of protons
but different numbers of neutrons.
- A field called nuclear medicine has also become increasingly important in modern health care.
This branch of health care uses radiopharmaceuticals, or drugs that contain specific isotope
formulations, to diagnose and treat certain diseases.
5.Define the terms molecule, compound, and isomer.
- A molecule is formed when two or more atoms bond together. An elemental hydrogen
molecule contains two atoms of hydrogen (H2), while a molecule of water contains two
hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom.
- A compound is a term used to describe molecules that are made of more than one type of
element.
- An isomer are molecules with the same molecular formula but different molecular structures.
7.Differentiate between organic and inorganic compounds.
- Organic compounds are molecules that contain carbon and hydrogen. An inorganic compound
are molecules that lack carbon , even if carbon is present.
- Organic molecules are typically more complex than inorganic molecules, but that doesn’t mean
they are more important to life than inorganic compounds. Both organic and inorganic
molecules are necessary for life.
