The Chemistry of Life

A collection of vocabulary flashcards derived from lecture notes on the chemistry of life, covering essential concepts in biology.

Water importance

Water covers ¾ of Earth's surface, is essential for life, and constitutes 70-95% of cells.

BrØnsted-Lowry definition

Acids donate H+ ions; Bases accept H+ ions.

Organic compounds

Molecules predominantly made of carbon that are crucial for life, comprising carbon skeletons and functional groups.

Polymers

Large molecules formed by stringing together many smaller molecules called monomers through dehydration reactions.

Carbohydrates functions

Serve as a source of energy, energy storage, and structural support.

Hydrophobic substances

Compounds that cannot mix with water, including fats, oils, and steroids.

Proteins

Polymers made of amino acids linked by peptide bonds, performing various functions in the body.

Enzyme function

Proteins that accelerate chemical reactions by lowering activation energy.

Nucleic acids

Biopolymers essential for all forms of life, made of nucleotide monomers; includes DNA and RNA.

Functional groups

Atoms or groups of atoms in organic compounds involved in chemical reactions.