Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM


Top Flashcards (Certified)
All Flashcards

Biology 1 > Molecules of Life 1 & 2 > Flashcards

Molecules of Life 1 & 2 Flashcards

(103 cards)

Start Studying
1
Q

What is atomic number?

A
  • Atomic number is the same number of protons.
  • Every atom of an element has the same number of protons.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What is an element?

A

A substance that cannot be broken down to any other substance by ordinary chemical means.
Cannot reduce or transform to any other substance using general chemical methods.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

What is mass compared to weight?

A

Weight refers to the FORCE of gravity exerted on substance.

Mass is the same regardless of force of gravity. (The amount of the substance)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

Where does atomic mass come from?

A

The sum of protons and neutrons is the atomic mass of an atom.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What are the ions called due to gaining electrons or losing electrons in atoms?

A

Cation: ion with more protons than electrons = net positive charge. (loss electrons)
Anion: fewer protons electrons = net negative charge. (gained electrons)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

What are isotopes?

A

Isotopes are atoms of the same element but with different number of neutrons.

Isotopes are unstable as the nucleus breaks apart, releases radiation as it attempts to be stable again.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

What is a half-life?

A

Time is takes for one-half of atoms in sample to decay.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

How is the arrangement of electrons important?

A

Important for atoms to have certain electrons because chemical behavior of an atom is based on number of electrons and arrangement of electrons in orbitals that impact how chemicals behave and biological reactions

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

Where are electrons most likely to be found?

A

Physics defines orbitals as area around electron where is most likely found.

Orbital is region around nucleus where 99% chance to find an electron.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

What is a shell vs. orbital diagrams?

A

Shell represent energy levels or quantum levels that electrons need specific energy to be in the shell. While orbitals are the specific region where electrons are most likely to be found in the shell.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What is potential energy in electrons?

A

Electrons in shells have potential energy based on its position. Energy can be released if excited, to a different energy level.

Electrons farther from nucleus has more energy.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

How do shells relate to energy?

A

Electrons can move from one energy to level to another if it takes in energy.
K→ L→ M→ N (Energy Absorbed = outward )

Electron can move from one energy level to a lower energy level released energy.
N→ M→ L→ K (Energy Released = inward)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

What are transfer of electrons in chemical reactions?

A

Transfer of electrons is called Redox Reactions. (loss or gain)
- Oxidation: loss of an electron
- Reduction: gain of electron
- Still retain energy of position in atom.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

What are valence electrons?

A

Valence electrons are the number of electrons in the outermost energy level.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

What is the octet rule?

A

Atoms tend to establish completely full outer levels, preferring 8 electrons. Will gain or lose electrons to complete octet to become stable.

Atoms seek to have their outermost shell filled for stability.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

What group has all 8 electrons filled on the periodic table?

A

Noble gases are inert (non-reactive elements) that have all eight electrons.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

What are the four elements that make up 96.3% of human body weight?

A

Carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

What element is most abundant in the human body?

A

Oxygen is most abundant in human body.

Water makes up most of oxygen (H2O), therefore making oxygen the most abundant in the human body.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

What are molecules?

A

Molecules are groups of atoms held together in stable association.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

What are compounds?

A

Compounds are molecules containing more than one type of element.
- ex: CO, NaCl

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

What is ionic bonds?

A

Ionic bonds are formed by attraction of oppositely charged ions therefore will transfer electrons to correct itself to obtain octet configuration.

ex: - NaCl = Chlorine has 7 electrons, therefore more likely to take one electron from sodium to obtain octet.
- Na atom loses electron becoming an ion (Na+ cation)
- Cl atom gains electron becoming an ion (Cl- anion)
- Opposite charges attract so Na+ and Cl- remain associated as ionic compound.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

What is covalent bonds?

A

Two or more valence electrons being shared.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

What is the difference in covalent bonds?

A

Differences in electronegativity dictate how electrons are distributed in covalent bonds.

  • Non-polar covalent bonds: equal sharing of electrons
    • ex: H2
  • Polar covalent bonds: unequal sharing of electrons
    • ex: distributed based on electronegativity
    • Electrons will be drawn more towards one side of bond.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

What do chemical reactions involve?

A

Involve the formation or breaking of chemical bonds. Bonds have to be broken for new bonds to be formed. Electrons are moved around while atoms shift from one molecule to another without losing its identity.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
What are chemical reactions influence by?
1. Temperature (specific temp) 2. Concentration of reactants (influences rate) 3. Catalysts (lack of enzymes)
26
What chemical property is most important about water?
Water is life. Most important chemical property of water is its ability to form hydrogen bonds. Weak chemical associations that form between partially negative O- and partially positive H+ of atoms of two water molecules. Oxygen is more electronegative, therefore allowing water to form more hydrogen bonds.
27
What is polarity?
Within water molecule, there is oxygen and hydrogen. Oxygen and hydrogen have POLAR identities because oxygen is more electronegative than hydrogen. Oxygen attracts/draws more electrons towards itself than hydrogen creating PARTIAL ELECTRICAL CHARGES: - Oxygen becomes partially negative - Hydrogen becomes partially positive
28
Why is water cohesive?
Water is cohesive because of the hydrogen bonds. Polarity of water allows water molecules to be attracted to one another (opposites attract) - Hydrogen (positive), oxygen (negative) = Hydrogen attracts more oxygen atoms of other H2O molecules creating a cohesive bridge.
29
What is surface tension?
Bonds of water create a strong layer of tension where bugs can walk on surface of water.
30
What is cohesion?
Water molecules stick to other water molecules by hydrogen bonding.
31
What is adhesion?
Adhesion is capillary action, where water molecules stick to other polar molecules by hydrogen bonding. Hydrogen bonds can easily break and form in water molecules. Water can be drawn through tubes, attaching to surfaces and can be pulled up because of adhesive property.
32
What are the properties of water?
1. Water has a specific heat. (requires more energy) 2. Water has a high heat of vaporization. (requires more energy) (brings condensation to cool) 3. Solid water is less dense than liquid water. (Solid water is less dense than water, therefore ice forms on SURFACE of water and not below.)
33
Why is water a good solvent?
Due to slightly negative and slightly positive charges, can break easily. Water molecules can easily break and attach to ionic compound and break up cations and anions of ions.
34
How can water form its own ions?
Water can form ions on its own by dissociating. Can dissociate in H+ and OH- ions. (End product of dissociation molecules)
35
What is the pH of water?
The ratio of H+ and OH- determines pH as pH is the negative logarithm of H+ ion concentration of a solution - Water has a pH of 7. [10^-7] - Neither basic or acidic. - Neutral
36
When is something acidic in pH?
Any substance that dissociates in water to increase the H+ ion. When solute breaks apart in the solvent (water) and increases the amount of H+ ions in the solvent. Lower on pH scale.
37
When is something a base in pH?
Substances that combines with H+ dissolved in water and lowers the amount of H+ ion concentration. When solute dissolves in solvent (water) and its ions combine with OH- ions to reduce amount of H+ ion concentration. Higher on pH scale.
38
What are buffers?
Resist changes in pH. Buffers used to keep constant pH, needed for chemical reactions to take place. - Absorbs hydrogen ions when acid is added (If too acidic) - Reduces acidic concentration - Release hydrogen ions when base is added. (If base too high) - Reduces base concentration or OH concentration
39
What does biochemistry study?
Studies biological molecules outside of cells.
40
What are the most important classes of biological macromolecules?
1. Carbohydrates 2. Lipids 3. Proteins 4. Nucleic Acids
41
What is the importance of carbon?
Carbon is the major backbone of many biological molecules. (Framework) Carbon atoms can bond with other atoms and form up to four covalent bonds.
42
What are hydrocarbons?
When carbon and hydrogen only atoms in molecule. (non-polar / similar electronegativity)
43
What are functional groups?
Specific molecules that bond to hydrocarbons cores that give chemical properties. - ex: C-C-C-C
44
What are the unique chemical properties of function groups?
- Properties of group are same wherever it is attached and influence behavior of entire molecule in reactions. - Influence behavior of molecule in chemical reactions wherever it attaches.
45
What are molecules with the same molecular formula?
Structural isomers: differ structurally carbon skeleton. Stereoisomers: how arranged in space, how it is attached to carbon.
46
What are enantiomers?
Isomers that are mirror images of each other
47
What is a chiral structure?
Four unique groups attached to central carbon. - ex: D-sugar, L-amino acids
48
What are macromolecules?
Can be described by polymers or monomers. Proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids.
49
What are polymers?
Build by linking several monomers (subunits) that come together to form a chain.
50
What are monomers?
Small, similar chemical subunits. - ex: Carbohydrates = glucose are monomers (subunits) - ex: Nucleic Acids = nucleotides are monomers (subunits) - ex: Proteins = amino acids are monomers (subunits) - ex: Lipids = glycerol are monomers (subunits)
51
What is a saccharide?
A sugar.
52
How do polymers form?
Two main reactions that form polymers: Dehydration synthesis and hydrolysis. Polymers are often broken down in the body into monomers to be used. Monomers are put together into polymers for storage or transporations.
53
What is dehydration synthesis?
Monomers come together to form polymer. Reaction occurs when water is taken out of the process.
54
What is hydrolysis?
Breakdown of large molecules caused by adding water. Monomers are created when polymers are broken down.
55
Why are carbohydrates one of the most important biological molecules/macromolecules?
Carbohydrates are good energy storage molecules because C-H covalent bonds have most of energy stored. -ex: sugars, starch, glucose Generally glucose is the monomer for carbs.
56
What is a-glucose?
The position of where the H connecting to the first carbon can change. OH in the lower (down/below) position of where the first carbon is results in a Alpha Glucose
57
What is b-glucose?
The position of where the H connecting to the first carbon can change. OH in higher (up/above) carbon results in a Beta Glucose.
58
What are disaccharides?
Disaccharides are the sugar transports or energy storage. Carbohydrates can also bond to form disaccharide or dimmers. Two monomers or monosaccharides coming together through dehydration synthesis.
59
What are polysaccharides?
Long chains of monosaccharides linked through dehydration synthesis.
60
What are polysaccharides used for?
Polysaccharides are used for energy storage is the main usage - ex: Plants use starch as sugars are stored in the form of starch. - ex: Animals store them in the form of glycogen Polysaccharides are used for structural support - ex: Plants use forms of carbohydrates, cellulose to give plant structural supports. - ex: Anthropods and fungi use chitin that give them structural support.
61
What are nucleic acids?
Nucleic acids are polymers are made up of monomers called nucleotides.
62
What are nucleotides made up of?
Sugar + Phosphate + Nitrogenous base
63
What are the different types of nucleotides?
DNA or RNA
64
How are DNA and RNA different?
Type depends on type of sugar in nucleotide. Deoxyribose = DNA (H) [Deox = O has been removed] Ribose = RNA (OH)
65
What are nitrogenous bases?
Purines: Adenine and Guanine Pyrimidines: Thymine, Cytosine, Uracil
66
What are purines?
- Adenine (DNA and RNA) - Guanine (DNA and RNA)
67
What are pyrimidines?
- Cytosine (DNA and RNA) - Thymine (DNA only) - Uracil (RNA only)
68
How do nucleotides connect?
Nucleotides connect by phospbodiester bonds. Phospbodiester Bond: phosphates coming together to form backbone between sugars and phosphates.
69
What are primes?
The numbering of carbons of the sugar. Phosphate attaches between 3’ to 5’ prime
70
What is DNA?
Information that tells cells what sequence amino acids should be put together for every protein. Decides and instructs cells on the bases. Has a double helix.
71
What is a double helix?
Two structures coming together connected by nitrogenous bases. Between nitrogenous bases are hydrogen bonds.
72
What are the base pairing rules?
- A with T (U in RNA) - C with G
73
What is RNA?
RNA uses information that is collected from DNA to synthesize amino acids, specifying the sequence of amino acids. Base includes uracil instead of thymine. RNA is made up of a single polynucleotide strand.
74
What is ATP?
Adenosine triphosphate is the primary energy currency of the cell. For cell to use energy stored in glucose, must be converted into ATP to be able to use energy readily avaliable in form of ATP.
75
What is the function of proteins?
1. Enzyme catalysis = Speeds up reaction (catalyst) 2. Defense = Immune system & Identify parts of cell 3. Transport = Iron transported in hemoglobin inside RBCs 4. Support = Hair, nails made up of Keratin & Structural proteins like actin filaments, fibrins, intermediate filaments. 5. Motion = Fibrin and actin helps motion 6. Regulation = Releasing important proteins that regulate many chemical reactions in the body 7. Storage = Proteins that helps storing molecules like iron and calcium in the body.
76
What are proteins made up of?
Proteins are polymers. Structurally proteins are composed of one or more long unbranched chains that are polypeptides.
77
What are amino acids?
Amino acids are monomers that have a carbon central atom with: R-group, Carboxyl group, Amino Group, and Single Hydrogen attached.
78
What is a peptide?
A peptide is a short chain of amino acids (typically 2 to 50) linked by chemical bonds (called peptide bonds). Dehydration synthesis.
79
What is a polypeptide?
A longer chain of linked amino acids (51 or more) is a polypeptide.
80
How are dipeptides formed?
When oxygen and hydrogen removed, forms a dipeptide from dehydration synthesis.
81
How is the structure of a protein important?
Shape of a protein determines its function. Cannot perform its function unless form is reverted or formed again.
82
What is a non polymer macromolecule?
Lipids
83
What macromolecules are polymers?
Carbohydrates, Proteins, Nucleic Acids
84
What are steroids made up of?
Membranes and hormones
85
What is a primary structure?
A sequence of amino acids.
86
What is a secondary structure?
How the groups in the peptide backbone interact. - Helix = coiled spiral - Pleated Sheet = planar structure
87
What is a tertiary structure?
- Shape determined how the protein is folded. - Stabilized when folded properly. - One single polypeptide chain, single molecule
88
What is a quaternary structure?
Arrangement of two or more polypeptide chains folded.
89
What is van der Waals attraction?
Electrostatic attraction or repulsion between molecules
90
What is hydrophobic exclusion?
Presence of water molecules cause proteins to behave in a certain way where some aspects of the protein are phobic to water.
91
What are motifs?
- Commonly seen in secondary structure in many polypeptides. - Useful in determining function of unknown proteins. - Beta = planar sheets - Alpha = spiral helix
92
What are domains?
Different functional units within a larger structure that perform different functions. Folded differently.
93
What are chaperones?
- Proteins help proteins fold correctly. - Deficiencies in chaperone proteins are result in certain disease like cystic fibrosis.
94
What is it called when a protein loses its structure?
Denatured, loses its structure = loses its function
95
Why do proteins become denatured?
- Due to enviornmental conditions: - pH - Temperature - Ionic concentration of solution
96
What are lipids?
- A biological molecule that is not soluble in water. - High proportion of non-polar molecules (C-H bonds) - Water is polar therefore does not mix. - ex: fats, oils, steroids (cholestrol), waxes, and fat soluble vitamins
97
What are triglycerides?
Composed of one glycerol and three fatty acids.
98
What is a fatty acid with no double bonds between carbon atoms?
Saturated
99
What is a fatty acid with a double bond?
Unsaturated
100
What are phospholipids?
- Composed of glycerol, two fatty acids with non-polar tails. - Phosphate group with polar head.
101
What lipid is a part of biological membranes?
Phospholipids
102
What are micelles?
- Lipid molecules interact between water (polar) and molecules that are nonpolar (hydrophobic). - Lipid head has is hydrophilic, points outwards. - Lipid tail is hydrophobic, points away from water
103
What is the phospholipid bilayer?
- Complicated structure where two layers form. - Hydrophobic heads face away from each other (outward) - Hydrophobic tails point towards each other (inward)

Biology 1 (6 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2025 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions