Chemistry of Life

Acid

A substance that increases the hydrogen ion concentration of a solution.

Activation energy

the minimum amount of energy required to start a chemical reaction

Adhesion

An attraction between molecules of different substances

amino acids

a simple organic compound containing both a carboxyl (—COOH) and an amino (—NH2) group.

Atom

Basic unit of matter

Base

a compound that produces hydroxide ions in solution

Buffer

A solution that minimizes changes in pH when extraneous acids or bases are added to the solution.

Carbohydrates

the starches and sugars present in foods

catalyst

(n.) a substance that causes or hastens a chemical reaction; any agent that causes change

Cohesion

Attraction between molecules of the same substance

compound

substance formed by the chemical combination of two or more elements in definite proportions