Introduction to Biochemistry and Water Properties Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering the basics of biological molecules, inorganic ions, and the chemical properties and roles of water.

Carbon

The element that forms the core structure of most biological molecules because its atoms can form four bonds with other atoms.

Carbohydrate

A biological molecule composed of $C$, $H$, and $O$ that serves as an energy supply, storage, and sometimes as a structural component.

Proteins

Biological molecules made of $C$, $H$, $O$, and $N$ with roles including structure, enzymes, antibodies, hormones, and transport.

Lipids

Molecules made of $C$, $H$, and $O$ used for membranes, energy supply, thermal insulation, padding, and electrical insulation in neurones.

Nucleic Acid

Biological molecules made of $C$, $H$, $O$, $N$, and $P$ which contain genetic instructions.

Molecule

A group of atoms bonded together representing the smallest fundamental unit of a chemical compound.

Ion

An atom or molecule with a net electric charge due to the loss or gain of one or more electrons.

Cation

A positively charged ion formed when an atom loses electrons.

Anion

A negatively charged ion formed when an atom gains electrons.

Electronegative

The property of an atom, such as Oxygen, to attract shared electrons towards itself within a covalent bond.

Polar Molecule

A molecule, like water, that has a slight negative charge on one side (Oxygen) and a slight positive charge on the other (Hydrogen).

Hydrogen Bond

A weak bond that forms between a slightly positively charged hydrogen in one molecule and a slightly negatively charged atom in another molecule.

Solvent

A role of water where it acts as a medium for reactions and transport because it can dissolve many substances.

Specific Heat Capacity

The property describing the fact that much energy is required to raise the temperature of water.

Latent Heat of Vaporisation

The property describing the fact that much energy is required to change water into water vapour.

Cohesion

The attraction between water molecules that helps them stick together, contributing to high surface tension.

Water Density

The property where water below $4\,^{\circ}\text{C}$ is less dense than water above $4\,^{\circ}\text{C}$, causing it to float when frozen.

$Na^+$ and $K^+$

Inorganic ions that play a major role in the transmission of nerve impulses.

$$Cl^-$$

Inorganic ion that plays a major role in the chloride shift.

$$H^+$$

Inorganic ion that plays a critical role in the processes of photosynthesis and respiration.

Capillary Action

The process by which water can move up a tube against gravity.