Biochemistry Vocabulary

Atom of the same element that has a different number of neutrons.

Chemical combination of more than one element in definite proportions.

One or more electrons are transferred from one atom to another (creates ions).

Atoms with either a positive or negative charge.

Electrons travel around the nuclei of both atoms (shared electrons).

Weak attraction between a hydrogen atom and another atom.

Smallest unit of most compounds.

Intermolecular forces of attraction weaker than ionic and covalent bonds.

Attraction between molecules of the same substance.

Attraction between molecules of different substances.

Two or more elements mixed together but NOT chemically combined.

Even distribution of components in a mixture.

Substance that is dissolved.

Substance in which the solute dissolves.

Mixture in which some material does not dissolve but also doesn't settle out.

Measure of the concentration of hydrogen atoms (H+).

Any compound that forms H+ ions in solution (pH < 7).

Any compound that produces hydroxide ions (OH-) in solution (pH > 7).

Weak acids or bases that prevent sudden changes in pH.

Simple unit in an organic compound.

Long chain of monomers that creates a macromolecule.

Compounds made of CHO (Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen); main energy source for living things.

Simple sugars (includes glucose, galactose, fructose).

Complex carbohydrate made of two sugars bound chemically.

Complex carbohydrate composed of many monosaccharides.

Fats, oils, waxes; composed of a glycerol molecule and fatty acids (CHO, mostly Carbon & Hydrogen atoms).

Contain the maximum number of hydrogen atoms.

Contain more than one Carbon-Carbon double bond; liquid at room temperature.

Contain at least one Carbon-Carbon double bond; liquid at room temperature.

Macromolecules containing Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen, Nitrogen & Phosphorus (CHONP); polymers made of nucleotides.

Monomer of DNA/RNA containing a 5 Carbon Sugar, a phosphate group, and a Nitrogenous base.

Macromolecules made of Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen, and Nitrogen units called amino acids; control the rate of reactions and regulate cell processes.

Process that changes one set of chemicals into another.

Mass and energy do NOT change during chemical reactions.

Elements or compounds that enter a chemical reaction.

Elements or compounds produced from a chemical reaction.

Minimum amount of energy needed to start a reaction.

Substance that speeds the rate of a chemical reaction by lowering the activation energy required to start the reaction; it is NOT changed.

Catalysts that speed chemical reactions in cells.

Reactants of an enzyme-catalyzed reaction.