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Anatomy & Physiology: Chemistry and Molecules

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Termini in questo insieme (27)

  • What is the difference between a molecule and a compound?
    Molecule is two or more atoms bonded together; compound is a molecule with two or more different kinds of atoms bonded.
  • What are the three primary types of chemical reactions?
    Synthesis (building molecules), decomposition (breaking molecules), and exchange (bonds made and broken).
  • What is a synthesis reaction?
    Atoms or molecules combine to form larger, more complex molecules; used in anabolic processes like protein formation.
  • What is a decomposition reaction?
    Breakdown of a molecule into smaller molecules or atoms; catabolic process like glycogen breaking down to glucose.
  • What is an exchange reaction?
    Bonds are both made and broken; involves changing partners, e.g., ATP transferring phosphate to glucose.
  • What factors influence the rate of chemical reactions?
    Temperature, concentration of reactants, particle size, and presence of catalysts (enzymes).
  • What is the role of catalysts in chemical reactions?
    Increase reaction rate without being consumed; enzymes are biological catalysts.
  • What distinguishes organic from inorganic compounds?
    Organic compounds contain carbon and are usually large and covalently bonded; inorganic compounds generally lack carbon.
  • Why is water important in physiology?
    Water has high heat capacity, high heat of vaporization, polar solvent properties, reactivity, and cushioning ability.
  • What are electrolytes and why are they important?
    Ions from salts that conduct electrical currents; vital for nerve, muscle function, and fluid balance.
  • What defines acids and bases in the body?
    Acids donate H+ ions; bases accept H+ ions or release OH- ions; both ionize in water.
  • What is the pH scale and what does it measure?
    Measures H+ ion concentration; scale 0-14; lower pH is acidic, 7 is neutral, higher pH is basic.
  • What are the major classes of organic molecules?
    Carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.
  • What are monosaccharides?
    Simple sugars with 3-7 carbons; monomers of carbohydrates like glucose and fructose.
  • What are disaccharides?
    Two monosaccharides joined by dehydration synthesis; examples include sucrose, maltose, lactose.
  • What are polysaccharides?
    Polymers of monosaccharides; examples include starch (plants) and glycogen (animals).
  • What are triglycerides and their functions?
    Fats/oils made of glycerol and three fatty acids; functions include energy storage, insulation, and protection.
  • Difference between saturated and unsaturated fatty acids?
    Saturated have no double bonds, solid at room temp; unsaturated have double bonds, liquid at room temp.
  • What are phospholipids and their role?
    Modified triglycerides with two fatty acids and a phosphate group; key components of cell membranes.
  • What are proteins and their main functions?
    Composed of amino acids; functions include structural support, catalysis, transport, communication, and defense.
  • What are the four levels of protein structure?
    Primary (sequence), secondary (alpha helix/beta sheets), tertiary (3D folding), quaternary (multiple polypeptides).
  • What is protein denaturation?
    Loss of 3D structure due to pH or temperature changes; usually reversible unless extreme.
  • What are enzymes and their role?
    Biological catalysts that lower activation energy and speed up chemical reactions without being consumed.
  • Describe the three steps of enzyme action.
    1. Substrate binds active site, 2. Enzyme-substrate complex forms product, 3. Product released.
  • What are nucleic acids and their components?
    DNA and RNA; polymers of nucleotides composed of nitrogen base, pentose sugar, and phosphate group.
  • What is the structure and function of DNA?
    Double helix in nucleus; stores genetic blueprint; bases pair A-T and G-C.
  • What is the role of RNA?
    Links DNA to protein synthesis; types include mRNA, tRNA, and rRNA.