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Below are a few major topics for this chapter. Note: these are NOT the only topics you should know; you are expected to master everything discussed in this chapter.

• Hint Structure of an atom: protons, neutrons, electrons
• Hint Carbon's central role in life
• Hint Electron shells and energy levels
• Hint Atomic number
• Hint Ions
• Hint Ionic bond between ions
• Hint Covalent bond: sharing of 2 electrons
• Hint Polar molecule: unequal sharing of electrons
• Hint Hydrogen bond: weak attraction between polar molecules
• Hint Water properties
• Hint pH scale: acids and bases
• Hint Carbohydrates: monosaccharides and polysaccharides
• Hint Glucose: the energy molecule
• Hint Lipids: fats, sterols, phospholipids
• Hint Sterols: cholesterol and steroid hormones
• Hint Fats and fatty acids
• Hint Enzymes: substrate(s) and product(s)
• Hint Nucleic acids and nucleotides