BackAnatomy & Physiology: Chemistry of Life and Biochemistry
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Terms in this set (25)
Biochemistry is the study of molecules that compose living organisms, including carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and nucleic acids.
Electrolytes are substances that dissociate in water to carry electrical current, essential for fluid balance, nerve impulses, muscle contraction, and heart health.
Define free radicals and antioxidants.
Free radicals are unstable, reactive particles that can damage molecules; antioxidants neutralize free radicals to protect the body.
Water dissolves or suspends many chemicals in the body, making it essential for metabolism, lubrication, temperature regulation, and plasma composition.
Solutions have solute particles under 1 nm and are clear; colloids have particles 1–100 nm, scatter light, and are cloudy; suspensions have particles over 100 nm and separate on standing.
The pH scale measures acidity: 7 is neutral, below 7 acidic, above 7 basic. Blood pH is tightly regulated between 7.35-7.45 for normal function.
Potential energy is stored energy like ATP; kinetic energy is energy of motion used in muscle movement and blood flow, producing heat as a byproduct.
Anabolism builds molecules; catabolism breaks down molecules. Both are key metabolic processes.
Monomers are single subunits; polymers are chains of monomers, e.g., amino acids form proteins, nucleotides form nucleic acids.
Carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids are the four major organic macromolecules essential for body structure and function.
Carbohydrates have a 2:1 hydrogen to oxygen ratio, are hydrophilic, and include sugars like glucose, the main energy source.
Glycogen stores energy in animals; starch stores energy in plants; cellulose provides dietary fiber and plant structure.
Lipids are hydrophobic molecules used for long-term energy storage, insulation, and cell membrane structure.
Saturated fatty acids have single bonds and are solid at room temperature; unsaturated fatty acids have double bonds and are liquid oils.
Triglycerides consist of three fatty acids linked to glycerol, serving as energy storage, insulation, and shock absorption.
Cholesterol stabilizes cell membranes and is a hormone precursor; eicosanoids act as signaling molecules in inflammation and blood clotting.
An amino acid has a central carbon attached to an amino group, a carboxyl group, and a variable R group determining its properties.
Protein function depends on its unique three-dimensional conformation, which can be altered reversibly or irreversibly by denaturation.
Primary (amino acid sequence), secondary (alpha helices and beta sheets), tertiary (3D folding), and quaternary (multiple polypeptide chains).
What is the role of enzymes in biochemical reactions?
Enzymes are protein catalysts that lower activation energy, speeding up reactions without being consumed.
Enzymes function best within narrow temperature and pH ranges; extremes can denature enzymes and reduce activity.
ATP is the energy currency of the cell, a nucleotide that stores and transfers energy for cellular work.
Nucleotides consist of a nitrogenous base, a sugar, and a phosphate group; they are monomers of nucleic acids.
DNA is double-stranded and stores genetic information; RNA is single-stranded and helps translate DNA into proteins.
Adenine pairs with Thymine; Cytosine pairs with Guanine in DNA's double helix structure.