Dr. D. M. Yordy   

Community College of Rhode Island

Biology 1020: Human Physiology

Learning Objectives

II. Basic chemical principles 

Atoms

1. You should be able to define the terms: matter, element, atom, chemical symbol, orbital, atomic number, atomic mass, a.m.u. and isotope.

2. You should be able to recognize the chemical symbols introduced in class.

3. You should be able to name the sub-atomic particles and any associated electrical charge.

4. You should be able to describe the structure of atoms.

5. You should be able to differentiate between an energy level and an orbital.

6. You should be able to explain how isotopes of a particular element differ from one another.

 

Bonds

1. You should be able to define the terms: bond, molecule, ion, cation, and anion.

2. You should be able to explain why/how the number and position of electrons is related to chemical reactivity.

3. You should be able to interpret molecular formulas.

4. You should be able to use atomic mass units to determine molecular mass/weight.

5. You should be able to explain the nature and characteristics of ionic, covalent (polar and non-polar) and hydrogen bonds.

 

Water

1. You should be able to define the terms: solvent, solute, solubility, insolubility, hydrophilic, and hydrophobic.

2. You should be able to explain the polar nature of water and its importance as a solvent.

3. You should be able to discuss the chemical nature of hydrophilic, hydrophobic, and amphipathic substances.

4. You should be able to identify chemicals as being hydrophilic or hydrophobic.

5. You should be able to state and apply the RULES of SOLUBILITIES.

 

pH

1. You should be able to define the terms: acid, base, neutrality

2. You should be able to state what pH is a measurement of.

3. You should be able to interpret and use the pH scale.

4. You should be able to state the normal pH value of the body's fluids.

   

At the end of this section you should be familiar with basic chemical principles. Knowledge of these principles will enhance your understanding of physiology.  Especially important are the bonds that hold molecules together and how the nature of the bonds affects the solubility of the molecule. pH is important because it can influence hydrogen bonding and therefore is a parameter that must be maintained relatively constant within the body's internal environment.