Atoms, Ions, Molecules, and Chemical Bonds

Chemistry
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Difference Between Atoms, Ions, and Molecules
Matter can be subdivided into smaller units. The smallest possible particle that matter can be broken into is referred to as an atom. Beyond an atom, it is not possible to chemically break down matter any further. Therefore, an atom refers to the smallest particle of an element that can take part in a chemical change. From the atomic particles, it is possible to organize matter into several units. One of such units is the molecules. Molecules refer to two or more atoms that are chemically bonded. Therefore, molecules appear as single units but are made up of several atoms. An example of a molecule is the water molecule. This molecule is made up of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom. Ions on the other hand refer to atoms that have gained or lost one or more of their valence electrons. As a result, ions are either positively or negatively charged. 
Biological Importance of Chemical Bonds
Bonds play a significant role in ensuring biological functions. Take for instance ionic bonds. Most atoms in biological fluids exist as ions. Ionic bonding plays an important role in ensuring that for every positive ion, there is an opposite negative charge to ensure that the fluids are electrically neutral. It is so important that the ions exist in the ionic form in biological fluids to aid certain functions such as the sense of touch. Some of these ions include sodium and chloride ions. They exist such that the number of sodium ions equals the number of chloride ions. As a result, the net charge is zero. Some other chemical bonds that are important in biology are the covalent bonds. These are important because th...