Chemistry Animal Health Technology Student Development Program
Chemistry Chemistry is a fundamental component in all of us. Chemical reactions are happening in our bodies constantly. In the Animal Health Technology program, students will be introduced to the basics of these chemical reactions.
Module 1: The Periodic Table Before we begin looking at chemical reactions we must first look at the basic elements found in all our drugs, body systems, etc. These elements can be found in the periodic table. In the periodic table, elements are listed according to increasing atomic number from upper left and arranged horizontally.
Module 1: The Periodic Table
Module 1: The Periodic Table Elements are grouped into 3 broad categories Metals solids at room temperature, good conductors of heat and electricity. Non-metals poor conductors of heat and electricity. Can be liquid, gas or solids. Metalloids possess properties of both metals and nonmetals.
Elements There are many elements seen in the periodic table that we as Animal Health Technologists deal with on a daily basis. From what is in our surgical instruments to what we use during x-rays to better see our patients digestive tract. The following pages are a list of common elements seen in the medical field.
Oxygen (O): The most abundant element in our body and is necessary of the production of cellular energy. Carbon (C): A main component in carbohydrates, lipids and proteins. Hydrogen (H): A major contributor to ph balance when in its ionic form. Nitrogen (N): Important component in our genetic material. Calcium (Ca): A building block for bones and teeth, muscle contraction, nerve transmission and blood clotting (coagulation). Phosphorus (P): Aids calcium in bone structure and is a component of nucleic acids.
Potassium (K): A major cation (a positively charged atom or molecule) necessary for nerve impulse transmissions and muscle contractions. Sulfur (S): Element found in muscle proteins. Sodium (Na): A major cation with potassium necessary for nerve impulse transmissions, muscle contractions and is very important in water balance. Chlorine (Cl): Abundant anion (a negatively charged atom or a molecule) found outside body cells. Magnesium (Mg): Contributes to bone health and healthy metabolism. Iodine (I): Key contributor in maintaining the health of the thyroid gland and its many metabolic reactions.
Iron (Fe): Component to hemoglobin which transports oxygen in red blood cells. Barium (Ba): Given to animals in liquid form to better visualize their digestive tract. Tungsten (W): Three times harder than steel and is commonly used in surgical instruments for better performance and longer product life.
Module 1: The periodic table Atomic Number The number of protons in the nucleus of an atom. Atomic Mass Average of the isotopic masses weighted of an element Each vertical row in the periodic table is known as a group or family Each group s elements have related properties. E.g. Sodium (Na) and Potassium (K) Chlorine (Cl) and Bromine (Br)
Module 2: Chemistry Terminology Molecule Smallest particle of a pure substance that has the properties of that substance and is capable of a stable independent existence. Compound A pure substance consisting of two or more atoms in the form of heteroatomic molecules or individual atoms.
Diatomic Molecules contain two atoms. Ex. CO (carbon monoxide) and NaCl (sodium chloride) Triatomic Molecules contain three atoms. Ex. HOCl ( hypochlorous acid) Polyatomic Molecules contain more than three atoms. Ex. H2CO3 Homoatomic Molecules contain only one kind of atom. Ex. Cl 2 Heteroatomic Molecules contain two or more kinds of atoms. Ex. NaCl
Module 2: Chemistry Terminology Ions A positively or negatively charged molecule Anion negatively charged molecule Ex. Cl - Cation positively charged molecule Ex. Na + Illustration showing the ionic charges of the elements on a periodic table.
When giving IV fluids it is important to know its concentration. Here are some definitions that are important to know when you learn about osmosis. Hypotonic - refers to a solution that contains less solute (more water) compared to the cytoplasm of the cell Ex. 0.45% NaCl solution Isotonic - refers to a solution that contains the same concentration compared to the cytoplasm of the cell Most IV fluids are isotonic solutions Ex. 0.9% NaCl solution Hypertonic - refers to a solution that contains more solute (more water) compared to the cytoplasm of the cell Ex. 50% Dextrose solution
Module 2: Chemistry Terminology Bonds Bond Strength (Strongest to Weakest) Covalent bonds two atoms that are attracted to a shared pair of electrons. Ex. NaCl Ionic bonds attractive force that holds together ions of opposite charge. Ex. CH 4 Hydrogen bonds attractive dipolar forces between molecules in which hydrogen atoms are covalently bonded to electro negative elements (O,N,F). Ex. H 2 O Dipolar forces attractive force between + end of one polar molecule and end of another Ex. CO Dispersion forces a weak attraction between the particles of all matter. Ex. N 2
Module 3: Chemical Reaction 1 Most reactions that are taught in Chemistry 1 of the Animal Health Technology program are basic reactions that involve simple reactants and products. The goal of every theoretical reaction is to achieve a balanced equation.
Module 3: Chemical Reaction 1 A + B AB Reactants substances that undergo chemical change during a reaction. Left side of the equation Products substances produced as a result of a reaction. Right side of the equation
Module 3: Chemical Reaction 1 Balanced Equation the number of atoms of each element in the reactants is the same as the number of atoms of that same element in the products. Ex. 1) 2H 2 + O 2 H 2 O There are twice as many H s and O s on the reactant side Ex. 2) 2H 2 + O 2 2H 2 O Four H s and two O s on each side
Module 3: Four Major Biomolecules Biochemistry is the study of chemical processes in living organisms. Students will learn how each of the four major biomolecules are used in our patients bodies. This information will provide you with a foundation so that you will better understand its core focus when diseases hinder how these molecules function.
Module 3: Four Major Biomolecules Carbohydrates Carbohydrates are composed of Carbon, Hydrogen and Oxygen Function: major source of energy for body processes. Also used for energy storage and cell structure. Classified based on number of sugar units Monosaccharide: one simple sugar Disaccharides: two simple sugars Oligosaccharides: three to ten simple sugars Polysaccharides: greater than ten simple sugars Common forms of carbohydrates Glucose Fructose Sucrose Starch Glycogen
Module 3: Four Major Biomolecules Lipids Lipids are also known as fats. Function: Key component in cell membrane structure as well as providing energy to the body. Common forms of Lipids Triglycerides Phospholipids Steroids
Module 3: Four Major Biomolecules Proteins Proteins are made up of many amino acids that are joined together by peptide bonds. Function: Proteins are used in a variety of different areas in the body. Enzymes speed the rate of chemical reactions Hair and Nail structure provide strength Antibodies recognizes foreign pathogens in our body Oxygen transport - red blood cells (Hemoglobin)
Module 3: Four Major Biomolecules Nucleic Acids Contain all our genetic material that controls our body processes such as protein synthesis The only biomolecule that is capable of self-replication Two major forms Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) Ribonucleic acid (RNA)