Wk1L1 Lecture 1 flashcards

Biochemistry

The branch of science that explores the chemical processes within and related to living organisms.

Hydrogen Bond

A weak bond between two molecules resulting from an electrostatic attraction between a proton in one molecule and an electronegative atom in another.

Polarity

A property of molecules having distinct positive and negative regions due to unequal sharing of electrons.

Cohesion

The tendency of molecules of the same kind to stick together, typically seen in water droplets.

Heat Capacity

The amount of heat energy required to raise the temperature of a substance by a given amount.

Solvent

A substance that dissolves a solute, forming a solution. Water is often referred to as a 'universal solvent'.

pH

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

Buffer

A solution that resists changes in pH when small amounts of an acid or base are added.

Lipid

A diverse group of hydrophobic molecules including fats, oils, and phospholipids.

Nucleotide

The basic building block of nucleic acids consisting of a sugar, phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base.

DNA

Deoxyribonucleic acid, the molecule that carries the genetic instructions for life.

RNA

Ribonucleic acid, a molecule that plays important roles in the coding, decoding, regulation, and expression of genes.

Amphipathic

A molecule that has both hydrophilic (water-attracting) and hydrophobic (water-repellent) parts.

Triacylglycerol

A lipid made from glycerol and three fatty acids; used for energy storage.

Saturation

Refers to the presence of double bonds in fatty acid chains; saturated fats have no double bonds, while unsaturated fats have one or more.

Hydrophobic Effect

The tendency of nonpolar substances to aggregate in an aqueous solution to minimize their exposure to water.

Isoelectric Point (pI)

The pH at which a particular molecule carries no net electrical charge.