Principles of Biochemistry

Flashcards covering key terms and concepts from the principles of biochemistry lecture.

Biochemistry

The study of the chemical processes and substances that occur within living organisms.

Mineral World

Composed of relatively simple chemical compounds, mainly consisting of inorganic substances, and does not exhibit biological functions like growth or metabolism.

Biological World

Composed of complex organic molecules, rich in elements like C, O, N, H, and P, and exhibits metabolism, growth, reproduction, and adaptation.

Glycolysis

A ten-step metabolic pathway that converts glucose into pyruvate, generating ATP, which occurs in almost all living cells.

Domains of Living Organisms

Three classifications of life based on cellular structure and genetics: Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya.

Primary Metabolites

Compounds directly involved in normal growth, development, and reproduction of an organism, essential for cellular functions.

Secondary Metabolites

Compounds not directly involved in growth or survival but important for defense and communication in organisms.

Stereochemistry

The study of the three-dimensional arrangement of atoms in molecules and its effects on chemical behavior and biological activity.

Chiral Molecules

Molecules with a chiral center, having non-superimposable mirror images, also known as enantiomers.

Solvent

A substance that dissolves a solute, forming a solution; water is the primary solvent for biochemical reactions.