Biochemistry Flashcards
(34 cards)
Biochemistry
Chemical reactions of living things
Element
Substances that cannot be broken down into simpler substances
Atoms
Protons, neutrons and electrons
(*elements are unique by their atoms)
Compounds
2 or more elements that combine chemically
Ex: H2O (1 oxygen + 2 hydrogen)
Ionic bonds
Loss or gain of electrons a charge is formed
Covalent bonds
Sharing of electrons
Inorganic compounds
Do not contain both carbon and hydrogen
Organic compounds
Contains both carbon and hydrogen
Carbohydrates
Sugars and starches, contains carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen
Hydrogen to oxygen ratio: 2:1
Carbohydrate example 1
Glucose, galactose, and fructose
*monosaccharides = simplest sugars
Carbohydrate example 2
Maltose and sucrose
*disaccharides = 2 monosaccharides bond together
Maltose = 2 glucose sugars
Carbohydrate example 3
Starch, cellulose, and glycogen
*polysaccharides = chains of monosaccharides
Starch = food storage compound (plants)
Cellulose = makes up cell wall
Glycogen = food storage compound (animals)
Proteins
Made of amino acid subunits
(Ex: enzymes, hormones)
Structure of amino acid
Amino group, carboxyl/acid group, R group
Amino group
NH2
Carboxyl/acid group
COOH
R group
variable group of an amino acid
Peptide bond
Bond between amino acids
Lipids
Source of energy and components of cell membranes
Lipid examples
Fats, oils, and waxes
*hydrogen to oxygen ratio greater than 2:1
Fats
Solid at room temperature
Oils
Liquid at room temperature
Nucleic acids
Are involved in the passing on of genetic information from one generation to the next
Ex: DNA and RNA
DNA
Found in the nucleus, mitochondria, and chloroplast
- replicate on their own
- carry out genetic traits
- responsible for synthesis of proteins essential to a cell’s life