Skip to main content
Indietro

Anatomy & Physiology: Biochemistry Basics

I pulsanti di controllo sono stati cambiati in modalità "navigazione".
1/29

Termini in questo insieme (29)

  • What is biochemistry?

    Biochemistry is the study of the chemical composition and reactions of living matter.

  • Difference between organic and inorganic compounds in the body

    Inorganic compounds lack carbon (e.g., water, salts). Organic compounds contain carbon and include carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and nucleic acids.

  • Define acids and bases in terms of proton transfer

    Acids are proton donors releasing H+ ions; bases are proton acceptors that pick up H+ ions and release OH- ions.

  • What does the pH scale measure?

    The pH scale measures the concentration of hydrogen ions [H+] in a solution; each unit represents a tenfold change in H+ concentration.

  • pH ranges for acidic, neutral, and alkaline solutions

    Acidic: pH 0–6.99 (high H+), Neutral: pH 7 (equal H+ and OH-), Alkaline: pH 7.01–14 (low H+).

  • What is a neutralization reaction?

    A reaction where acids and bases mix to form water and a salt, balancing pH.

  • Role of buffers in the body

    Buffers resist abrupt pH changes by releasing or binding H+ ions, maintaining homeostasis.

  • Key buffer system in blood

    The bicarbonate buffer system involves carbonic acid (H2CO3) and bicarbonate (HCO3-) to regulate blood pH.

  • General properties of organic molecules

    Contain carbon (except CO2 and CO), form four covalent bonds, often polymers made of monomers.

  • How are polymers synthesized and broken down?

    Polymers are synthesized by dehydration synthesis and broken down by hydrolysis.

  • Classification of carbohydrates

    Monosaccharides (simple sugars), disaccharides (double sugars), and polysaccharides (many sugars).

  • Examples of monosaccharides and their importance

    Ribose and deoxyribose (pentoses) in nucleic acids; glucose (hexose) is blood sugar.

  • Examples of disaccharides

    Sucrose (glucose + fructose), maltose (glucose + glucose), lactose (glucose + galactose).

  • Storage forms of polysaccharides

    Starch in plants and glycogen in animals (liver and muscle).

  • Main types of lipids

    Triglycerides, phospholipids, steroids, and eicosanoids.

  • Structure and function of triglycerides

    Three fatty acids bonded to glycerol; function in energy storage, insulation, and protection.

  • Difference between saturated and unsaturated fatty acids

    Saturated: single bonds, solid at room temp; unsaturated: one or more double bonds, liquid at room temp.

  • Role of phospholipids in cells

    Have hydrophilic heads and hydrophobic tails; major components of cell membranes.

  • What are steroids and their importance?

    Four interlocking hydrocarbon rings; cholesterol is a precursor for vitamin D, steroid hormones, and bile salts.

  • Functions of proteins in the body

    Structural support, catalysis (enzymes), transport, movement, communication, and defense.

  • What are amino acids?

    Monomers of proteins with amino group, carboxyl group, and unique R group; 20 types exist.

  • Levels of protein structure

    Primary (sequence), secondary (alpha helices/beta sheets), tertiary (3D folding), quaternary (multiple chains).

  • Difference between fibrous and globular proteins

    Fibrous: strandlike, insoluble, stable (e.g., collagen); Globular: compact, soluble, sensitive (e.g., enzymes).

  • What is protein denaturation?

    Loss of protein structure and function due to pH or temperature changes; often reversible.

  • Role of enzymes

    Globular proteins that catalyze biochemical reactions by lowering activation energy; highly specific.

  • Basic structure of nucleic acids

    Polymers of nucleotides, each with nitrogen base, pentose sugar, and phosphate group.

  • Differences between DNA and RNA

    DNA: double-stranded, stores genetic info, bases A, T, G, C; RNA: single-stranded, active outside nucleus, bases A, U, G, C.

  • What is ATP and its role?

    Adenosine triphosphate is the primary energy carrier; energy released by hydrolysis of phosphate bonds powers cellular work.

  • ATP hydrolysis reaction

    \(\mathrm{ATP} \rightarrow \mathrm{ADP} + \mathrm{P_i} + \text{energy}\)