Basic Molecules In Biochemistry Flashcards
What is biochemistry?
The study of chemical processes within and relating to living organisms.
What are biomolecules made of?
Composed of bulk and trace elements.
Bulk elements are present most on the mammalian body, and trace elements are found in smaller quantities.
Give some examples of bulk elements.
Carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, hydrogen, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, sodium, chlorine, and sulphur.
Give examples of trace elements.
Iodine, magnesium, copper, zinc, selenium, and iron.
What are macromolecules?
The major constituents of cells.
Includes polymers, which are molecules made from multiple units of smaller molecules, that have molecular weights of above 5000g/mol.
Define catabolism and anabolism.
Catabolism is the breakdown of molecules, and it releases energy.
Anabolism is the formation of molecules, which uses energy.
What is ATP?
Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is known as the energy currency of the cell.
It breaks down to produce adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and phosphate.
What is ionisation?
The process in which a molecule becomes ions. Ions are charged particles, either positively or negatively charged.
