Atom Structure
Atom Structure - Related Videos
01:33
Atomic Structure
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2026
All matter is composed of atoms, the smallest individual units of elements. Each atom is made up of three subatomic particles: protons, neutrons, and electrons. Together, these three particles account for the mass and the charge of an atom.The History of Atomic TheoryThe first person to propose that everything on Earth is made up of tiny particles was the Greek philosopher Democritus, around 450 B.C. He used the term atomos, Greek for “indivisible,” from which the modern term “atom” is derived.
01:17
Atomic Structure
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2023
The Greek philosopher Democritus proposed that everything on Earth is made up of tiny particles called atomos, Greek for "indivisible," from which the modern term "atom" is derived. In the 19th century, John Dalton proposed the atomic theory that is still largely correct today. He put forth five postulates to explain how atoms made up the world around us. (1) All matter is composed of infinitely small particles or atoms. (2) All atoms of a given element are identical to one another and (3) are...
02:28
Electronic Structure of Atoms
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2023
An atom comprises protons and neutrons, which are contained inside the dense, central core called the nucleus, with electrons present around the nucleus. Taking into account the wave–particle duality of electrons and the uncertainty in position around the nucleus, quantum mechanics provides a more accurate model for the atomic structure. It describes atomic orbitals as the regions around the nucleus where electrons of discrete energy exist, characterized by four quantum numbers: n, l, ml, and...
14:55
Atomic Scale Structural Studies of Macromolecular Assemblies by Solid-state Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
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Cited by 3 •
2017
Structures of supramolecular protein assemblies at atomic resolution are of high relevance because of their crucial roles in a variety of biological phenomena. Herein, we present a protocol to perform high-resolution structural studies on insoluble and non-crystalline macromolecular protein assemblies by magic-angle spinning solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MAS SSNMR).
01:52
Atomic Mass
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2020
Atoms — and the protons, neutrons, and electrons that compose them — are extremely small. For example, a carbon atom weighs less than 2 × 10−23 g. When describing the properties of tiny objects such as atoms, we use appropriately small units of measure, such as the atomic mass unit (amu). The amu was originally defined based on hydrogen, the lightest element, then later in terms of oxygen. Since 1961, it has been defined with regard to the most abundant isotope of carbon, atoms of which are...
FAQs
Electron arrangement controls how an atom participates in bonding. Electrons occupy energy levels and orbitals, and their distribution affects whether atoms form covalent or ionic connections. In biological molecules, these bonding patterns determine how atoms join, helping explain molecular structure and the chemical behavior of compounds involved in cells. Thus, electron organization links atomic features to biological chemistry.
Polarity and molecular shape arise from how the constituent atoms distribute electrons and form bonds. Uneven electron distribution can create differences across a molecule, while the arrangement of bonds contributes to its three-dimensional form. In biology, these features help explain how molecules behave and interact, making atom structure central to interpreting biomolecular properties.
Covalent bonds and ionic bonds reflect different ways atoms associate. Covalent bonding contributes to the construction of molecules, whereas ionic bonding helps account for interactions involving charged atoms or groups. Distinguishing these bond types allows biologists to connect atomic behavior with molecular properties, cellular chemistry, and the reactions that maintain biological systems.
Carbon, oxygen, and nitrogen are especially important because biological molecules depend on the bonding behavior of their atoms. Their electron arrangements influence the covalent or ionic connections they make, as well as molecular shape and polarity. Examining these elements at the atomic level therefore helps explain why biomolecules have particular structures and chemical reactivities.
To analyze a biomolecule, begin by identifying its constituent elements, then consider the electron arrangements of their atoms. Next, relate those arrangements to likely covalent or ionic bonds, molecular shape, and polarity. This sequence provides a structured way to interpret chemical behavior in biological molecules without treating their properties as isolated observations.
Atom structure clarifies cellular metabolism by linking atomic properties to the reactions that transform biological molecules. Electron distribution and bonding help explain how molecular structures change during chemical reactions, while polarity and ionic or covalent interactions provide context for the behavior of reactants and products. This perspective connects small-scale chemistry with broader cellular processes.
In genetics and drug interactions, atom structure provides a basis for understanding how biologically important molecules are built and how they interact. Bonding, shape, and polarity influence the chemical character of these molecules, so atomic analysis can help interpret their behavior in biological settings. The same principles connect molecular structure with biological function and interaction.