Cell Chemistry and Biosynthesis

Flashcards to help understand key concepts of cell chemistry and biosynthesis.

What are the four macromolecules found in living organisms?

Proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, and lipids.

What is the First Law of Thermodynamics?

The total amount of energy before a transformation equals the total amount after a transformation; no new energy is created or lost.

What process forms macromolecules from monomers?

Condensation.

What distinguishes an endergonic reaction from an exergonic reaction?

Endergonic reactions require energy; exergonic reactions release energy.

What is the role of enzymes in biochemical reactions?

Enzymes catalyze reactions and increase the rate of reaction without being permanently altered.

What is the significance of activation energy (Ea) in chemical reactions?

Ea is the minimum energy required for a reaction to proceed.

What is the function of ribosomes in a cell?

Ribosomes are responsible for translating proteins.

How does competitive inhibition affect enzyme activity?

Competitive inhibitors compete with substrates for active sites on enzymes, reducing reaction rates.

What are the two forms of feedback inhibition?

Competitive inhibition and noncompetitive inhibition.

What characteristic do prokaryotic cells lack that eukaryotic cells possess?

Prokaryotic cells lack membrane-bound organelles.

What occurs in the Golgi Apparatus?

Protein glycosylation and sorting for secretion or delivery to other organelles.

Name one function of mitochondria.

Mitochondria are involved in oxidative phosphorylation and energy production.

How does differential centrifugation contribute to cell biology?

It is used to separate cellular components based on density.

What is the purpose of the endoplasmic reticulum in cells?

The endoplasmic reticulum is involved in protein folding and sorting.

What stabilizes the secondary structure of proteins?

Hydrogen bonds between backbone atoms.

What type of bond forms between the amino and carboxyl groups of amino acids?

Peptide bonds.