8th Grade Biochemistry

8th Grade Biochemistry

Amino Acids

Building blocks of proteins

Simple Sugars

Building blocks of starch (carbohydrates)

Nucleotides

Building blocks of DNA & RNA (nucleic acids)

Fatty acids & glycerol

Building blocks of lipids (fats)

Protein

Complex polymer composed of amino acids

Starch

Complex polymer composed of simple sugars

lipids/fats

Complex polymer composed of fatty acids & glycerol

Nucleic Acid (DNA/RNA)

Complex polymer composed of nucleotides

Organic

Contains carbon and hydrogen; the big 4 and their building blocks glucose

inorganic

Does not contain carbon & hydrogen together Ex: CO2, H2O , O2

enzyme

Shape specific protein catalyst that controls all chemical reactions

catalyst

Another name for enzyme

substrate

The shape specific molecule the enzyme acts on or fits to

Temperature and PH

Environmental factors that can slow or stop enzyme function

protein

Complex polymer composed of amino acids

optimum/optimal

The temperature or pH at which the enzyme maintains its functional shape and is at the height of its activity