Ch 2 Chemical Composition of the Body Flashcards
(30 cards)
Thalidomide
sedative used in the 1960’s to alleviate morning sickness in pregnant women that caused birth defects. contained both D and L forms. L- stereoisomer is a tranquilizer but the D- stereoisomer causes disruption of fetal development and the resulting birth defects. Thalidomide is now being used for AIDS, leprosy, and cachexia (prolonged ill health and malnutrition)
Acidosis vs Alkalosis
Acidosis: when blood falls below 7.35 in PH (becomes acidic)
Alkalosis: when blood rises above 7.45 in PH (becomes basic)
Carbohydrates
monosaccharides, disaccharides, and polysaccharides,
CnH2nOn
monosaccharides
simple sugar that contains 6 carbons
C6H12O6
disaccharide
formed by the joining covalently of two monosaccharides.
examples include sucrose (table sugar), lactose (milk sugar), and maltose (malt sugar)
Polysaccharide
the joining of numerous monosaccharides.
includes Starch, Cellulose (can’t be digested by humans), and Chitin
Dehydration Synthesis
(aka condensation). H is removed from 1 monosaccharide and OH is removed from another. covalent bond is formed between the two monosaccharides and water (H2O) is produced
Hydrolysis
opposite of dehydration synthesis- covalent bond joining 2 monosaccharides is broken and a water molecule is needed (used up) to complete their structure
Triglycerides
(Triacylglycerol) subcategory of lipids that includes fat and oil
Ketone Bodies
Hydrolysis of triglycerides within adipose tissue releases free fatty acids into the blood. free fatty acids are used as energy or converted by the liver into KETONE BODIES. includes acetone
Ketosis
Elevated levels of ketone bodies in the blood (occurs from low carb diets or diabetes) produces acetone in excess resulting in a “fruity” smell of breath
Ketoacidosis
sufficient amounts of ketone bodies in the blood to lower the blood PH. can result in coma and death
Amphipathic molecules
Molecules that are part polar and part nonpolar such as phospholipids and bile acids
micelles
when phospholipids are mixed in water and polar parts face water molecules
surfactants
Made of proteins and lipids. the amphipathic nature of phospholipids allows them to alter interaction of water molecules and decrease surface tension of water. prevents the lungs from collapsing due to surface tension forces
Steroids
included in lipid category because they are nonpolar,
Cholesterol
precursor for the steroid hormones produced by the gonads (testes and ovaries which secrete sex steroids)and adrenal cortex
Prostiglandins
type of fatty acid, regulation of blood vessel diameter, ovulation, uterine contraction during labor, inflammation reactions, blood clotting, and many other functions
Hydrogen Bonds
responsible for the folding and bending of long organic molecules such as proteins and for holding together of the two strands of DNA molecules
- also responsible for capillary action (tension behind tea leaf mystery) ability to be pulled as a column through narrow channels
Hydration spheres
occurs when water molecules surround dissolved ions
the pH in blood plasma is regulated by what?
the buffer bicarbonate ion and carbonic acid
which enantiomers can our body use?
L (levo) amino acids and D (dextro or right handed) sugars
Lecithin or (phosphatidylcholine)
when the phosphate group on a phospholipid is attached to a nitrogen containing choline molecule
amphipathic molecules
molecules that are part polar and part nonpolar such as phospholipids and bile acids