Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM


Top Flashcards (Certified)
All Flashcards

MEDI1000 > Week 11 Intro to Biochemistry and Spectrophotometry > Flashcards

Week 11 Intro to Biochemistry and Spectrophotometry Flashcards

(91 cards)

Start Studying
1
Q

What are the main categories of biomolecules?

A
  • Amino acids / proteins
  • Lipids
  • Carbohydrates

These biomolecules are essential for various biological functions and processes.

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

What is an example of clinical biochemistry?

A

Diabetes

Clinical biochemistry often involves the study and management of diseases such as diabetes.

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

What is the primary focus of biochemistry?

A

Studying chemical processes in living things

This includes the interactions of various biomolecules.

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

What are the common body fluids used in clinical biochemistry?

A

Serum

Body fluids like serum are often analyzed to detect or study diseases.

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

What types of substances do clinical biochemistry labs study?

A
  • Fats (e.g., cholesterol)
  • Carbohydrates (e.g., blood sugar levels)
  • Proteins (e.g., serum protein)
  • Enzymes (e.g., cardiac enzymes)

These substances serve as indicators of health and disease.

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

What is the general structure of an amino acid?

A
  • Alpha carbon
  • Carboxyl group
  • Amino group
  • Side chain (R group)

The side chain varies among different amino acids.

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

How are amino acids classified?

A
  • Non-polar
  • Polar
  • Basic
  • Acidic

Classification is based on the chemical properties of their side chains.

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

What is a zwitterion?

A

A dipolar ion form of amino acids that predominates in solution at pH 7

Zwitterions have both positive and negative charges, making them neutral overall.

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

What does it mean for amino acids to be amphoteric?

A

They can act as either acids or bases

This property allows amino acids to participate in various chemical reactions.

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

What is the significance of chirality in amino acids?

A

Most amino acids are chiral and exist as L and D stereoisomers, with L form being predominantly used in biological systems

Chirality is crucial for the specificity of protein interactions.

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

What is a peptide bond?

A

A bond formed between the carboxyl group of one amino acid and the amine group of another

Peptide bonds are formed via a condensation reaction.

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

How do proteins differ from peptides?

A

Proteins contain more than 50 amino acids, while peptides contain less than 50 amino acids

This distinction is important for understanding protein structure.

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

What are the levels of protein structure?

A
  • Primary
  • Secondary
  • Tertiary
  • Quaternary

Each level of structure contributes to the overall function of the protein.

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

What is the primary structure of a protein?

A

The linear sequence of amino acids

The sequence determines the protein’s overall 3D shape.

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

What types of secondary structures can proteins form?

A
  • Alpha helices
  • Beta sheets
  • Turns

These structures are stabilized by hydrogen bonds.

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

What bonds are responsible for the tertiary structure of proteins?

A
  • Covalent bonds (peptide bonds)
  • Non-covalent interactions (hydrogen bonds, hydrophobic forces, van der Waals forces)

These interactions contribute to the protein’s final 3D shape.

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

What is the role of prosthetic groups in proteins?

A

They are non-amino acid molecules that assist in protein function

Examples include metal ions or organic molecules.

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

What are the general functions of proteins?

A
  • Enzymatic catalysis
  • Transport
  • Storage
  • Motion
  • Structural support
  • Immunity
  • Growth
  • Communication
  • Sensing
  • Regulation

Proteins play diverse roles essential for life.

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

True or False: Proteins are static structures.

A

False

Proteins are dynamic and can change shape in response to environmental stimuli.

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

What is one of the main roles of proteins in the immune system?

A

Immune response to foreign matter (e.g. antibodies)

Antibodies are proteins that help identify and neutralize foreign objects like bacteria and viruses.

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

What is a key function of proteins related to growth?

A

Directs growth and development (e.g. growth hormone)

Growth hormones are proteins that stimulate growth, cell reproduction, and cell regeneration.

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

How do proteins communicate within cells?

A

Transmits a ‘message’ within cells or between cells and tissues (e.g. hormones and growth factors)

Hormones are signaling molecules that regulate physiological processes.

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

What is the role of proteins in sensing?

A

Detects signals and transmits them through to the cell (e.g. receptor proteins)

Receptor proteins bind to specific molecules, triggering a response in the cell.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

In what way do proteins regulate cellular functions?

A

Switching genes ‘on’ or ‘off’ (e.g. transcription factors)

Transcription factors are proteins that control the transcription of genetic information.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
What is an example of a special purpose protein?
Green fluorescent protein in jellyfish ## Footnote This protein is used in molecular and cellular biology to visualize cellular processes.
26
What are lipids?
Relatively simple molecules that can form large structures through non-covalent associations ## Footnote Lipids include fats, oils, and waxes.
27
What is the solubility characteristic of lipids?
Insoluble in water, but soluble in organic (non-polar) liquids ## Footnote This property allows lipids to form membranes and energy storage molecules.
28
What are the building blocks of lipids?
Fatty acids, glycerol, phosphoric acid, monosaccharides, oligosaccharides, amines, amino acids, isoprenes ## Footnote These components combine to form more complex lipid structures.
29
What are the major functions of lipids?
Major Functions of Lipids include: * Storage * Structural * Specific Biological Actions * Fuels * Biological membranes * Biological messengers * Insulation * Cofactors for enzymes * Protection * Electron carriers * Heat production * Effectors ## Footnote Each function plays a critical role in maintaining cellular and physiological processes.
30
What are the major types of lipids?
Major Types of Lipids include: * Triacylglycerols (fats & oils) * Phospholipids * Sterols * Glycerophospholipids * Waxes * Eicosanoids * Glycolipids * Sphingolipids * Phosphatidylinositol * Isoprenoids * Vitamins A, D, E, K ## Footnote Each type of lipid has distinct structures and functions in biological systems.
31
What differentiates saturated and unsaturated fatty acids?
Saturated fatty acids contain no double bonds, while unsaturated fatty acids contain one or more double bonds ## Footnote This structural difference affects the physical properties of fats.
32
What is the omega system of numbering in fatty acids?
Numbering of carbons in fatty acids from the methyl end ## Footnote Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids are essential fats that the body cannot produce.
33
What is a micelle?
A lipid aggregate formed through non-covalent interactions ## Footnote Micelles are spherical structures that can encapsulate hydrophobic substances.
34
What are chylomicrons?
Transport ‘vehicle’ for dietary lipids from intestine to peripheral tissues ## Footnote Chylomicrons are a type of lipoprotein that helps in the absorption of dietary fats.
35
What is cholesterol?
A sterol (modified steroid) essential for cell membranes and a precursor of other important molecules ## Footnote Cholesterol is crucial for maintaining membrane fluidity and is involved in the synthesis of steroid hormones.
36
What is the general formula for carbohydrates?
'Hydrate of carbon' Cn H2nOn (where n ≥ 3) ## Footnote Carbohydrates are classified into monosaccharides, oligosaccharides, and polysaccharides based on the number of sugar units.
37
What are the main functions of carbohydrates?
Functions include: * Energy source * Cell recognition * Cell to cell communication * Cell adhesion * Structure * Antibiotics * Coenzymes * Activated carriers * Nucleic acids ## Footnote Carbohydrates play essential roles in metabolism and cellular interactions.
38
What are reducing sugars?
Sugars that can reduce cupric ions (Cu2+) to cuprous ions (Cu+) ## Footnote Reducing sugars include all monosaccharides and some disaccharides.
39
What are anomers?
Isomers that differ in their structure around the anomeric carbon ## Footnote Anomers can be classified as alpha or beta based on the orientation of the hydroxyl group.
40
What is diabetes mellitus?
A state of chronic hyperglycaemia which may result from genetic or environmental factors ## Footnote Diabetes can be classified into Type 1 (absolute insulin deficiency) and Type 2 (insulin resistance).
41
What is the significance of glucose in metabolism?
Major fuel and abundant dietary carbohydrate; precursor for other sugars ## Footnote Glucose is essential for cellular respiration and energy production.
42
What are the main tests used in diabetes diagnosis?
Blood glucose tests: random, fasting, and glucose tolerance test ## Footnote Diagnosis is based on plasma glucose levels, with >7.0 mmol/L fasting indicating diabetes.
43
What is photometry?
Involves using radiant energy and measuring its interaction with matter ## Footnote Photometry can determine molecular structure and solution concentration.
44
What is Beer’s Law?
A principle that relates the absorption of light to the properties of the material through which the light is traveling ## Footnote Beer’s Law is fundamental in quantitative analysis in photometry.
45
What is the electromagnetic spectrum?
Consists of particles and waves with characteristics such as wavelength, frequency, and intensity ## Footnote Different regions of the spectrum correspond to different types of electromagnetic radiation.
46
How does electromagnetic radiation interact with matter?
Can be reflected, transmitted, or absorbed ## Footnote This interaction alters the internal energy states of the molecules.
47
What is the significance of intensity in light measurement?
Amount of energy transmitted through an area over time ## Footnote Intensity decreases as more molecules interact with the incident light beam.
48
What is the Lambert-Beer law?
Combines Beer’s Law and Lambert’s Law to describe the absorption of light in a medium ## Footnote This law is crucial for understanding how light absorption relates to concentration and path length.
49
What is the result of a decrease in intensity when light interacts with molecules?
More molecules interacting with the incident light beam ## Footnote This is influenced by concentration and pathlength.
50
What are the three laws of photometry?
* Beer’s Law * Lambert’s (Bougher’s) Law * Combined (Lambert-Beer) Law
51
What is the transmittance when there is a solution containing no absorbing species?
100% light transmitted ## Footnote This occurs in a container of fixed dimensions when concentration = 0.0 M.
52
What is the transmittance when the concentration is 0.1 M?
50% light transmitted ## Footnote This is calculated as T = 1.0 x 0.5.
53
What is the transmittance when the concentration is 0.2 M?
25% light transmitted ## Footnote This is calculated as T = 1.0 x 0.5 x 0.5.
54
What is the transmittance when the concentration is 0.3 M?
12.5% light transmitted ## Footnote This is calculated as T = 1.0 x 0.5 x 0.5 x 0.5.
55
What happens to transmittance as concentration increases?
Transmittance decreases ## Footnote This occurs by a constant factor for every incremental increase in concentration.
56
What type of graph results when plotting transmittance versus concentration on a linear scale?
Curved graph
57
What type of graph results when plotting transmittance versus concentration on a semilog scale?
Linear graph
58
What is absorbance and how is it defined?
The difference between the intensity of the incident light beam Io and the intensity of the light transmitted It.
59
What is the equation for absorbance?
A = -log(It/Io) ## Footnote This can also be expressed as A = -log T.
60
What is the relationship between absorbance and concentration?
Directly proportional relationship
61
What does Beer’s Law state?
There is a directly proportional relationship between absorbance and concentration.
62
What is Lambert’s (Bougher’s) Law?
Doubling the pathlength has the same effect as doubling the concentration.
63
What is the Combined (Lambert-Beer) Law equation?
A = εcl
64
What do the variables in the Combined (Lambert-Beer) Law represent?
* A = Absorbance * ε = Molar absorptivity constant (L.mol-1cm-1) * c = Concentration (M) * l = Pathlength (cm)
65
What is important to consider when determining analyte concentration using absorbance?
* Selection of an appropriate blank * Selection of optimal analytical wavelength * Plotting 'Line of Best Fit' for standard curve
66
True or False: There are exceptions when Beer’s Law will not be obeyed.
True
67
What are the building blocks for protein macromolecules?
Amino acids
68
What are the building blocks for polysaccharides?
Monosaccharides
69
What are the building blocks for nucleic acids?
Nucleotides
70
What are the building blocks for lipid aggregates?
Fatty acids
71
How many standard amino acids are there?
20
72
What is a peptide bond?
A covalent bond formed between two amino acids
73
What is meant by Protein Primary Structure?
The sequence of amino acids in a polypeptide chain
74
List two examples of terms that describe different secondary structures found in proteins.
* Alpha helices * Beta sheets
75
List four major roles of proteins.
* Enzymatic activity * Structural support * Transport * Regulation
76
Why should lipids not be considered true macromolecules?
Due to their non-repetitive structure
77
Name three major functions of lipids.
* Energy storage * Structural components of membranes * Signaling molecules
78
Give one example of an important Monosaccharide.
Glucose
79
Give one example of an important Disaccharide.
Sucrose
80
List four major functions of carbohydrates in a cell.
* Energy source * Structural components * Cell recognition * Signaling
81
Can two sugar molecules have different configurations despite having the same molecular formula?
Yes, this phenomenon is known as isomerism.
82
What is Diabetes mellitus?
A metabolic disorder characterized by high blood sugar levels
83
True or False: The diagnosis and management of Diabetes mellitus is only of concern to a very small portion of the health care industry.
False
84
How is Diabetes mellitus diagnosed?
Blood tests measuring glucose levels
85
What is the term absorbance in the context of spectrophotometry?
The measure of the amount of light absorbed by a sample
86
What is Beer's Law?
A relationship between absorbance and concentration
87
What is Lambert's Law?
A principle that describes how light is absorbed by a medium
88
What is the combined Lambert-Beer Law?
A formula relating absorbance to concentration and pathlength
89
Is it more convenient to use Absorbance or Transmittance to determine the concentration of a substance?
Absorbance
90
Why is the selection of optimal analytical wavelength important for spectrophotometric measurement?
To ensure maximum sensitivity and accuracy
91
Why is the selection and use of an appropriate Blank important for spectrophotometric measurement?
To eliminate background interference in measurements

MEDI1000 (5 decks)

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