2.1 molecules to metabolism

define "molecular biology"

a branch of biology focused on structures and functions at the molecular level

what is the number and type of bond carbon can form with other atoms?

carbon can form four covalent bonds with other atoms Non-polar covalent

list the four major classes of carbon compounds used by living organisms.

1. Carbohydrates (CHO)-


1. monosaccharides (glucose, galactose, fructose, ribose)
2. disaccharides (maltose, lactose, sucrose)
3. polysaccharides starch, glycogen, cellulose, chitin)
2. proteins (CHON)


1. amino acids, dipeptides, polypeptides
3. lipids (CHO)


1. fatty acides, sterols, triglycerides, phospholipids
4. nucleic acids (CHONP)


1. nucleotides, RNA, DNA

define metabolism and catalysis.

metabolism: chemical reactions that occur w/i an organism to maintain life

* break down of molecules to release energy
* synthesis of new molecules to support cellular functions

catalysis: process by which substance (catalyst) increases the rate of a chemical reaction without itself being consumed or undergoing any permanent chemical change

→ lowers activation energy needed for a chemical reaction to occur

often enzymes in biology:

* break down food
* w/o them, chem reactions would occur too slowly to support life

state the role of enzymes in metabolism

act as the catalyst to speed up metabolism

define anabolism, monomer + polymer

anabolism

* constructing large molecules from smaller monomer subunits

monomer

* small molecule that can bind w/ other molecules of same type to form large polymer

polymer

* large molecule composed of many repeating monomer subunits

describe condensation (dehydration synthesis) reactions

chemical reaction in which two molecules (monomers) combine to form a larger molecule with the formation of water

define catabolism

the breaking down of large molecules into smaller subunits

contrast anabolism and catabolism

describe hydrolysis reactions

* chemical reaction in which a polymer breaks apart into smaller subunits
* addition of water is used to break bonds
* opposite of condensation reaction