Chemical Basis of Life Flashcards
(151 cards)
1
Q
Smallest structural unit based on the levels of organization
A
Subatomic Particles
2
Q
The three types of subatomic particles
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1) Electrons; 2) Protons; and 3) Neutrons
3
Q
Second smallest structural unit based on the levels of organization
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Atoms
4
Q
Third smallest structural unit based on the levels of organization
A
Molecules
5
Q
What are formed by the complex combination/s of atoms?
A
Molecules
6
Q
What are formed when molecules join together into even more elaborate units?
A
Complexes of Compounds
7
Q
These are complexes of compounds that occur as microscopic or submicroscopic bodies in the living system.
A
Organelles
8
Q
Organelles perform ____________.
A
Specific Functions
9
Q
Why don’t organelles qualify as living units?
A
They do not satisfy all attributes/characteristics of life.
10
Q
What are organelles composed of?
A
Organic and Inorganic Compounds
11
Q
It is a specific combination of organelles; microscopic
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Cell
12
Q
Cells are organized complexly enough to contain all the necessary apparatus for the performance of ________ and ________.
A
Metabolism and Self-perpetuation
13
Q
Represents the least elaborate structure that can be alive
A
Cell
14
Q
“All life forms obey and are completely explained by the laws of ________ and ________.
A
Chemistry and Physics
15
Q
This is anything that has mass and occupies space, and this may be living or non-living.
A
Matter
16
Q
States that all matter is made up of atoms and atoms are composed of subatomic particles
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Atomic Theory
17
Q
Units of Matter
A
Atoms
18
Q
In 1913, he proposed the structure of an atom and likened it to our solar system.
A
Neils Bohr
19
Q
Three parts of an atom
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1) Nucleus; 2) Electrons; and 3) Protons
20
Q
A pure substance made up of one kind of atom that cannot be decomposed into simpler substances
A
Element
21
Q
Six elements that play important roles in the phenomenon of life
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1) Carbon; 2) Hydrogen; 3) Oxygen; 4) Nitrogen; 5) Sulfur; and 6) Phosphorus
22
Q
The different shells in which the electrons of an atom are arranged reflect different ________.
A
Levels of Energy
23
Q
How many electrons does the innermost shell of a filled or complete atom contain?
A
Two
24
Q
How many electrons does the outermost shell of a filled or complete atom contain?
A
Eight
25
The chemical behavior of an atom depends largely on ________?
The number of electrons in its outermost shell
26
These are processes where atoms combine with other atoms or break apart from other atoms.
Chemical Reactions
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These refer to two or more atoms combined in a reaction; atoms may be of the same kind or different
Molecules
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A molecule containing at least two different kinds of atoms
Compound
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These hold the atoms in a compound together.
Bonds
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This is an attraction between an atom that has lost or gained electrons.
Ionic Bond
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Atoms losing electrons
Cations
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Atoms gaining electrons
Anions
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This is a bond wherein two or more atoms share electrons.
Covalent Bond
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Type of covalent bond with equal sharing
Non-polar
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Type of covalent bond with unequal sharing
Polar
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These are weak bonds formed between molecules due to the attraction between the partially positive end of a molecule and the partially negative end of another molecule.
Hydrogen Bonds
37
What is the relevance of hydrogen bonds to life?
They stabilize DNA and are essential to the capacity of DNA to reproduce itself and to form RNA.
38
These are molecules containing an atom with a single, unpaired electron in its outer shell.
Free Radicals
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The reaction of free radicals with other molecules can produce a _______ and set off a _________.
Free Radical and Chain Reaction
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These donate electrons to free radicals so that they may become stable.
Antioxidants
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Synthesis reaction within the body
Anabolism
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Decomposition reaction within the body
Catabolism
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Reaction in which two or more atoms/ions/molecules combine to form new larger molecules
Synthesis Reaction
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Reaction in which bonds are broken
Decomposition Reaction
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Reaction that is partly synthesis and partly decomposition
Exchange Reaction
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Reaction in which the end product can revert to the original combining molecules
Reverse Reaction
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These are usually small, ionically bonded molecules that are vital for body functions; they do not contain the element carbon.
Inorganic Compounds
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One of the most important and abundant substances in the body and the most abundant substance in the biosphere
Water
49
What is the polarity of water?
Polar
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What is the molecular geometry of water?
Tetrahedral
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Water "hating"
Hydrophobic
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Water "loving"
Hydrophilic
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Both water "hating" and "loving"
Amphiphatic
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What are the four properties of water?
1) Cohesive Behavior; 2) Versatility as Solvent; 3) Stabilizes Temperature; and 4) Expansion Upon Freezing
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What are the four functions of water?
1) Excellent solvent and suspension medium; 2) participant in many chemical reactions; 3) high specific heat; and 4) lubricant in various body regions
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These are substances that dissociate hydrogen ions in solution; proton "donors"
Acids
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These give off hydroxyl ion (-OH) in solution; proton "acceptors"
Bases
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This is an indication of the degree of acidity or alkalinity of a solution based on the number of H+ in a solution.
pH
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These are mechanisms that maintain homeostatic pH values in the body.
Buffer Systems
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What is an essential function of buffer systems?
They react with strong acids and/or bases in the body yo replace them with weak acids and/or bases that can change normal pH values slightly.
61
These yield neither H+ nor OH- and do not affect the acidity or alkalinity of a solution, and are formed by reacting acids and bases.
Salts
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These are elements occurring in nature but needed in smaller amounts by the body.
Trace Elements
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The major element found in all organic molecules
Carbon
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A major element found in all organic molecules and part of water
Hydrogen and Oxygen
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A major element in all proteins and nucleic acids
Nitrogen
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Important element in some proteins
Sulfur
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Found in ATP molecule
Phosphorus
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Found in chlorophyll molecule as well as in some enzymes
Magnesium
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Essential for the creation of hormone thyroxin
Iodine
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Hemoglobin structure of RBC
Iron
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Found in bone structures and needed in muscle contractions
Calcium
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For movement of nerve impulses in animals
Sodium
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For creation of digestive chemicals and also in photosynthesis
Chlorine
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For movement of nerve impulses in animals
Potassium
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Compounds responsible for the living properties of cells
Organic Compounds
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What are the two principal bonds in organic compounds?
C-H and C-C
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What are the two unique features of a carbon element?
They are versatile and they can be joined into rings.
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How many covalent bonds can carbon form?
Four
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What structures can carbon form?
Rings, Linear Chains, Branches, and 2D and 3D Structures
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These are molecules with the same molecular formula but different arrangements.
Isomers
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What are the three types of isomers?
1) Structural Isomers; 2) Geometric Isomers; and 3) Enantionmers
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These are isomers that differ in covalent partners.
Structural Isomers
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These are isomers that differ in arrangement about a double bond (cis-trans).
Geometric Isomers
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These are isomers that differ in spatial arrangements around an asymmetric carbon.
Enantiomers
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Result of the arrangement of atoms in enantiomers
Molecules that are Mirror Images
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What are the four properties of organic compounds?
1) Many functions; 2) Large in size and don't dissolve easily; 3) Held by covalent bonds and decompose easily; and 4) Carbon bonds are shorter
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What effect does having shorter C-C bonds have on a compound?
Increased stability at varying temperatures
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What effect does being held by covalent bonds and decomposing easily have on a compound?
They are good sources of energy.
89
This type of biomolecule has a formula of Cx(H2O)y.
Carbohydrates
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Why are carbohydrates named as such?
They consist of C, H, and O.
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Simple Sugars
Monosaccharides
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Two monosaccharides combined in a reaction
Disaccharides
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Glucose + Glucose = ?
Maltose (Malt Sugar)
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Glucose + Fructose = ?
Sucrose (Cane Sugar)
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Glucose + Galactose = ?
Lactose (Milk Sugar)
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Two mechanisms by which disaccharides are formed
Condensation Reaction and Hydrolysis
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This is the mechanism by which disaccharides are formed by the removal of water.
Condensation Reaction
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This is the mechanism by which disaccharides are formed by the addition of water.
Hydrolysis
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More than two monosaccharides joined together
Polysaccharides
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This is the principal storage product in plants.
Starch
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This is made up of 2000 glucose units and is a major component of the plant cell wall.
Cellulose
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This is animal starch.
Glycogen
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This is a tough, structural polysaccharide that forms the external skeleton of many insects and cell walls of fungi.
Chitin
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This is a structural polysaccharide and is a major carbohydrate in connective tissue matrix.
Glycosaminoglycans
105
What are the four significances of fibers?
1) Gives a person a feeling of fullness; 2) Dietary fiber; 3) Decreases risk for CVD and colon cancer; and 4) Lowers risk for various diseases
106
What are the functions of carbohydrates?
1) Structural building blocks of protoplasmic substances (e.g. DNA, RNA); 2) Energy for respiratory processes; and 3) Major component of the matrix of connective tissue
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Functional group found in carbohydrates and many other cellular compounds
Hydroxyl (R-OH)
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Functional group found in aldo- type sugars
Aldehyde (R-CHO)
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Functional group found in keto- type sugars
Ketone (RC(=O)R')
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Functional group found in organic acids such as amino acids and fatty acids
Carboxyl (R-COOH)
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Functional group found in amino acids, proteins, and other N-containing compounds
Amine
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Functional group found in nucleic acids, ADP, ATP, and phospholipids
Phosphate
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Functional group found in amino acid cysteine and in most proteins
Sulfhydryl
114
These are large organic compounds that don't usually dissolve in water but in soluble organic solvents.
Lipids
115
Building blocks of lipids
Fatty Acids
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What is the structure of lipids?
C, H, and O arranged in chains
117
This confers acidity on a fatty acid.
Carboxyl Group (-COOH)
118
This is the process by which fats are formed.
Esterification
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These deform the linear chain and give fatty acids a kinked 3D structure.
Double Bonds
120
How much energy does one gram of fat contain as opposed to one gram of glycogen?
Twice as much
121
What is the differentiating factor between saturated and unsaturated fats/
Saturated fats does not contain double bonds while unsaturated fats do.
122
Fatty Acids + Glycerol + Additional Group = ?
Complex Lipids
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This is a major constituent of membranes and is abundant in brain cells and nerves.
Phospholipids
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This is a major constituent of myelin sheath.
Sphingolipids
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What are the characteristics of saturated fats?
1) Animal in origin; 2) Solid at room temperature; and 3) Raises cholesterol level
126
What are the characteristics of unsaturated fats?
They are liquid at room temperature and they lower cholesterol levels.
127
What is virgin coconut oil rich in?
Lauric Acid (Monolaurin)
128
These are derived fatty acids made in most cells and are regulatory in function.
Eicosanoids
129
These are lipids that consist of ring-like arrangement of atoms (four rings).
Steroids
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What is the composition of fats?
Glycerol + 3 Fatty Acids
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What is the composition of phospholipids?
Glycerol + 2 Fatty Acids + Phosphate
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What is the composition of waxes?
Alcohol + 1 Fatty Acid
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What is the composition of steroids?
Lipids Fused in Rings
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What are the functions of fats?
Energy, Storage, and Insulation
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What is the function of phospholipids?
Diffusion
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What are the functions of waxes?
Water Repellant and Cell Wall Protection
137
What are the functions of steroids?
Message and Membrane Fluidity
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These are polymers of amino acids (polypeptides).
Proteins
139
What are proteins composed of?
Carboxyl Group (-COOH), Amino Group (-NH2), and a Side Chain (R-)
140
What are the essential amino acids?
Phenylalanine, Valine, Threonine, Methionine, Alanine, Tryptophan, Histidine, Isoleucine, Leucine, Lysine
141
Synthesis of Proteins
Amino Acids to Peptide Bonds to Polypeptide
142
What is the reason behind the enormous diversity of protein molecules?
The diversity of its amino acid sequence within protein molecules
143
This refers to the structure in which a linear sequence of approximately 40 to 1000 amino acids are joined by peptide bonds.
Primary Structure
144
This structure results from the coiling and folding of the primary structure into alpha-helices or beta-pleated sheets.
Secondary Structure
145
What is the reason behind the folding of primary structures to form secondary structures?
Hydrogen bonds; movement of hydrophobic R-groups toward the non-aqueous center of the molecule and of the hydrophilic R-groups toward the aqueous surface of the molecule
146
This is the sequence of amino acids in the polypeptide strand.
Primary Structure
147
This forms when polypeptide further fold; these folds are stabilized by R-group-R-group interactions
Tertiary Structure
148
This is formed when two or more polypeptides with tertiary structure cluster together.
Quaternary Structure
149
What appearance do polypeptides with tertiary structure possess?
Globular
150
This is a molecular technique used to determine the structure of protein constituents.
Immunoprecipitation
151
This is a molecular technique that can differentiate complex proteins.
Gel Electrophoresis
