Fundamental Concepts in Chemistry and Biochemistry: A Reflection on Atomic Structure, Molecular Properties, and Biomacromolecules
Overview
This reflection journal explores foundational concepts in chemistry and biochemistry, including atomic structure, electron behavior, molecular polarity, and the four primary biomacromolecules. The paper examines the importance of electrons in electrical conductivity and atomic bonding, the properties of polar molecules using water as an example, and provides descriptions of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.
What this reflection paper covers
- Atomic structure and composition of protons, neutrons, electrons, and quarks
- Role of electrons in electronic systems and atomic bonding mechanisms
- Polar covalent bonds and molecular polarity in relation to electric fields
- Properties and biological significance of water polarity
- Classification and characteristics of four biomacromolecules
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Reflection Journal
What is an atom?
Protons, neutrons, and electrons are the three components that make up an atom, while electrons are made up of even smaller particles called quarks (Sharp, 2019). Conditions for the formation of quarks and electrons improved when the hot, dense new universe cooled (Sharp, 2019). Quarks combine to make protons and neutrons, which then combine to form nuclei (Sharp, 2019). Atoms can be split up into fragments due to their smaller particles. However, once this happens, the parts are no longer part of the same chemical composition.
Why are electrons important?
In the electronics sector, electrons play a vital role and ensure that devices can operate optimally. The small particles can carry electric current through circuits and conductors as they move from the negatively charged ends to positively charged ends. The ends that are negatively charged usually have extra electrons while the ends with positive charged require more electrons. Therefore, the electron is able to move from one end to another and create currents through a system. In addition to allowing electricity flow, electron is also vital because they assist atoms to bond. The atomic bonding occurs because of the presence of electrons, such as the development of covalent bonds between atoms. Another bonding that is aided by electrons is the ionic bonding, which is facilitated by an atom giving up an electron to another atom.
What makes a molecule polar?
A polar covalent link connects two diatomic molecules.