Biochemistry: Anatomy & Physiology I

Vocabulary flashcards based on the lecture notes on Biochemistry for Anatomy & Physiology I.

Element

Matter that contains only one type of atom and cannot be decomposed into simpler substances by ordinary chemical means.

Molecule

Two or more atoms joined together by chemical bonds.

Compound

A substance that contains two or more different types of atoms bonded together.

Atom

The smallest part of an element that retains the chemical properties of that element.

Ion

An atom that has unequal numbers of electrons and protons, resulting in an overall charge.

Covalent Bond

A bond formed by the sharing of electrons between atoms.

Ionic Bond

A bond formed by the transfer of electrons from one atom to another, resulting in opposite charges.

Energy

The capacity to do work or put matter into motion.

Potential Energy

Stored energy that is waiting to be released.

Kinetic Energy

Energy of motion that can be transferred from one atom or molecule to another.

Hydrolysis

The process of breaking down molecules by the addition of water.

Dehydration Synthesis

The process of synthesizing larger molecules by removing water.

ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate)

The energy carrier or currency of the cell, important for cellular activities.

Carbohydrates

Biological molecules made up of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, often serving as energy sources.

Lipid

Organic compounds that are insoluble in water, used for long-term energy storage and structural components.

Protein

Biomolecules that consist of amino acids and serve various functions including structural and enzymatic roles.

Nucleic Acid

Biological macromolecules such as DNA and RNA that carry genetic information.

pH

A measure of the hydrogen ion concentration in a solution, indicating its acidity or alkalinity.

Buffer

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

Amino Acid

The building blocks of proteins, consisting of an amino group, a carboxyl group, and a variable side chain.

Peptide Bond

A covalent bond that joins two amino acids together.

Isotope

Atoms of the same element that have different numbers of neutrons and thus different atomic masses.

Trace Elements

Elements required by living organisms in minute amounts for proper functioning.

Denaturation

The process in which proteins lose their structure and function due to external stress, such as extreme pH or temperature.