3.1 Chapter Objectives

Our chapter goal is for you to have a basic understanding of the chemical foundations of life, as well as a basic understanding of how these chemicals interact in living organisms. By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:

1. Define the following terms:
   • Cell
   • Element
   • Atom
   • Proton
   • Neutron
   • Electron
   • DNA
   • RNA
   • Prokaryote
   • Eukaryote
   • Organelle
   • Nucleus
   • Mitochondria
   • Chloroplast
   • Molecule
   • Chromosome
2.  Give examples of sugars, fatty acids, nucleic acids, and amino acids (note: you will NOT be expected to draw any of the molecules we discuss, however you should be able to recognize molecules by category).
3. Identify which elements are represented the most in living organisms.
4. Explain the varied functions of proteins.