Atom
the smallest portion of an element found in the periodic chart; examples include carbon, oxygen, gold
Biomolecule
an organic molecule produced by a living organism
Chemical bond
A connection made between atoms when electrons are attracted, shared, or transferred
Condensation reaction or (dehydration synthesis)
A chemical reaction that combines smaller molecules and forms water as a byproduct; the reaction is often used to form polymers
Covalent bond
A chemical bond formed when elements share electrons
Hydrolysis reaction
A chemical reaction between water and another molecule that breaks down the molecule into simpler molecules; the reaction splits a water molecule to break apart a polymer into monomers
Inorganic molecule
A molecule that is not organic; most (but not all) do not include carbon; examples include water (H20), ammonia(NH3), table salt (NaCl), and carbon dioxide (CO2)
Ion
An electrically charged "atom" that has either gained or lost electrons
Ionic bond
A chemical bond formed when elements transfer (donate or accept) electrons
Macromolecules (or macronutrients)
The large biomolecules that make up living organisms; include proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids
Molecule
A chemical combination