Principles of Biochemistry Lecture Notes

Vocabulary-style flashcards covering the basic principles of biochemistry, cell types, and classification of biomolecules based on the lecture transcript.

Biochemistry

The study of molecules and chemical reactions of life.

Structural Chemistry

The area of biochemistry focusing on the components of living matter and the relationship of biological function to chemical structure.

Metabolism

The total chemical reactions that occur in living matter, including the acquisition and utilization of energy, synthesis of molecules, and removal of waste.

Glycolysis

A fundamental reaction pathway found in all organisms involving the energy-generating conversion of glucose to pyruvic acid.

Prokaryotic cells

Small and structurally simple cells with no nucleus or other organelles, bounded by a cell wall and a plasma membrane.

Nucleoid

The region in a prokaryotic cell where a circular DNA molecule called a chromosome is located.

Plasmids

Small circular DNA molecules that exist separately from the chromosomes in prokaryotic cells.

Eukaryotic cells

Cells larger than prokaryotic cells that contain a nucleus for DNA and cytoplasm containing organelles such as the endoplasmic reticulum, golgi apparatus, lysosomes, and mitochondria.

Functional groups

Specific arrangements of atoms that determine the chemical properties of organic molecules.

Monosaccharides

Small biomolecules categorized as either polyhydroxyaldehydes or polyhydroxyketones.

Polyhydroxyaldehydes

A class of monosaccharides consisting of an aldehyde (carbonyl) group and many hydroxyl groups.

Polyhydroxyketones

A class of monosaccharides consisting of a ketone (carbonyl) group and many hydroxyl groups.

Polysaccharides

A biopolymer formed by the combination of individual monosaccharides.

Lipids

The most heterogeneous class of biomolecules; they are insoluble in water and soluble in nonpolar solvents.

$\alpha$-Amino acids

Molecules consisting of an $\alpha$-amino group, a carboxylate group, an $\alpha$-carbon, and a unique side-chain R group.

Proteins

Biopolymers formed by individual amino acids connected by peptide bonds.

Peptide bond

An amide bond that joins individual amino acids together.

Nucleotides

Molecules composed of a nitrogenous base, a five carbon sugar (ribose or deoxyribose), and one, two, or three phosphate groups.