13 Feb Flashcards
(18 cards)
What is the definition of an organic compound?
A substance which originates in an organism
It has larger, more complex molecules than an inorganic compound
Most organic compounds contain Carbon
What is the definition of an inorganic compound?
A substance which does not originate in an organism
It has smaller, simpler molecules than an organic compound
Does not often contain Carbon
What is the definition of eutrophication?
The process by which water becomes enriched with dissolved nutrients
What is a monosaccharide?
The monomer for a carbohydrate
A monosaccharide contains only one sugar
Examples include: glucose, galactose and fructose
What is the definition of a disaccharide?
Two carbohydrate monomers (monosaccharides) that have bonded to one another
Examples include: maltose, sucrose and lactose
What is the definition of a polysaccharide?
Multiple monosaccharides bonded together
Examples include: glycogen, cellulose and starch
What is the definition of a polymer?
A complex molecule consisting of many monomers bonded together
These monomers are generally very similar
What is the definition of a saturated fat?
A lipid that has been saturated with hydrogen
It has single bonds, and no hydrogen can be added
The human body struggles to break these down
These fats are normally solid at room temperature
What is the definition of an unsaturated fat?
A lipid that has double bonds
This means that hydrogen atoms can be added
The human body finds it easier to break these down
They are generally liquid at room temperature
What is the definition of atherosclerosis?
The condition where cholesterol or some other material has blocked the coronary arteries
Since these arteries supply blood to the heart, when blocked, a heart attack can occur
What is the definition of a dipeptide?
Two protein (amino acid) monomers joined together by a peptide bond
What is the definition of a polypeptide?
More than three protein (amino acid) monomers joined together by peptide bonds
What is the definition of a protein?
More than fifty peptides joined together by peptide bonds to form a chain
This chain folds to form a specific 3D structure
What is the definition of an amino acid?
The monomer from which proteins are formed
They consist of a carbon atom bonded to a hydrogen atom and and a side chain, which can have any number of different elemental combinations
The carbon atom is also bonded to an amino group (Nitrogen and two hydrogen) and an acid, or carboxl group (Carbon, Oxygen and Hydroxide)
What is the definition of an enzyme?
A biological catalyst that initiates or controls the rate of a chemical reaction, without being used in the reaction itself
An enzyme is made up of protein molecules
An enzyme is substrate specific
What is the definition of an anabolic reaction?
A chemical reaction, involving an enzyme, which causes molecules to bond and form larger molecules
This process is also known as condensation synthesis
A water molecule is released in this reaction
What is the definition of a catabolic reaction?
A chemical reaction, involving an enzyme, which causes molecules to break up and form smaller molecules
This process is also known as hydrolysis
A water molecule is added in this reaction
What is the definition of denature?
When proteins get too hot, their 3D structure collapses, and they are unable to perform their function
