Page 43 - Encyclopedia of Chemical Compounds 3 Vols

Words to Know

FOSSIL FUEL A fuel, such as petroleum, natural gas, or coal,
formed from the compression of plant and animal matter
underground millions of years ago.

FREE RADICAL An atom or group of atoms with a single
unpaired electron that can damage healthy cells in the
body.
•

G

G/MOL Grams per mole: a measure of molar mass that indi-
cates the amount of the compound that is found in a
mole of the compound. The molecular weight (also known
as relative molecular mass) is the same number as the
molar mass, but the g/mol unit is not used.

GLOBAL WARMING The increase in the average global tem-
perature.

GLUCONEOGENESIS The production of glucose from non-
carbohydrate sources, such as proteins and fats.

GLYCOGEN A carbohydrate that is stored in the liver and
muscles, which breaks down into glucose.

GREENHOUSE EFFECT The increase of the average global
temperature due to the trapping of heat in the atmo-
sphere.
•

H

HARD WATER Water with a high mineral content that does
not lather easily.

HELIX A spiral; a common shape for protein molecules.

HORMONE A chemical that delivers messages from one cell
or organ to another.

HYDRATE A chemical compound formed when one or more
molecules of water is added physically to the molecule of
some other substance.

xlii CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS