This chapter introduces some basic concepts of chemistry, a science that studies the composition of substances and the changes that occur as basic elements combine. It explains how substances combine to make up matter (objectives 1.5), how substances are classified as acid or base (objective 6), and the organic and inorganic substances that make up the living cell (objectives 7 and 8).

Knowledge of basic chemical concepts will enhance your understanding of the functions of cells and of the human body.