Essential Cell Biology Chapter Questions and Answers 2023

acid - -In the context of cell biology, an organic molecule that dissociates in water to generate hydronium (H3O+) ions (thereby producing a low pH). -amino acid - -Organic molecule containing both an amino group and a carboxyl group. α-Amino acids (those in which the amino and carboxyl groups are linked to the same carbon atom) serve as the building blocks of proteins. -atom - -The smallest particle of an element that still retains its distinctive chemical properties. -atomic weight - -Mass of an atom expressed in daltons. -ATP (adenosine 5'-triphosphate) - -Nucleoside triphosphate composed of adenine, ribose, and three phosphate groups that is the principal carrier of chemical energy in cells. The terminal phosphate groups are highly reactive in the sense that their hydrolysis, or transfer to another molecule, is accompanied by the release of a large amount of free energy. -Avogadro's number - -The number of molecules in a quantity of substance equal to its molecular weight in grams. Approximately 6x10^23. -base - -Molecule that accepts