L2

A set of flashcards created from biochemistry lecture notes covering topics such as thermodynamics, acid-base chemistry, and enzyme function.

Keq

The equilibrium constant, which expresses the ratio of the concentration of products to reactants at equilibrium.

Gibbs Free Energy (G°)

A thermodynamic potential that measures the overall change in free energy during a chemical reaction, crucial for determining spontaneity.

Spontaneous Process

A reaction that occurs without needing to be driven by an external force, typically indicated by G < 0.

Energy Coupling

The use of energy released from a spontaneous reaction to drive an uphill (non-spontaneous) reaction.

pH Scale

A logarithmic scale used to specify the acidity or basicity of an aqueous solution.

Acid-Base Equilibrium

The state at which the concentration of the acid and its conjugate base remain constant, often described by the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation.

Enthalpy (∆H)

The total heat content of a system, which is a factor in determining the favorability of a reaction.

Entropy (S)

A measure of the disorder or randomness in a system, which influences the spontaneity of a reaction.

Weak Acid

An acid that does not dissociate completely in solution, characterized by a small Ka value.

Dissociation Constant (Ka)

A measure of the strength of an acid in solution, representing the ratio of the concentrations of products to reactants.

Hydronium Ion (H3O+)

An ion formed when a proton (H+) associates with a water molecule, representing the presence of acidity in an aqueous solution.

Titration

A quantitative analytical method used to determine the concentration of a solute by reacting it with a known volume of a standard solution.

Hexokinase Reaction

An example of a biochemical reaction where glucose is phosphorylated to glucose-6-phosphate using ATP, with a G of -17 kJ/mol, indicating it is favorable.

Henderson-Hasselbalch Equation

An equation that relates the pH, pKa, and the ratio of the concentrations of the conjugate base and acid in a solution.

Equilibrium Constant (Kw)

The constant for water self-ionization, equal to the product of the concentrations of hydronium ions and hydroxide ions in pure water.