EXAM 1

Trans carbon-carbon double bond

Lowers the fatty acid melting point

Prokaryotes vs

Prokaryotes lack a membrane-bound nucleus

Nucleus Function

Stores DNA and coordinates cell activities

Delta G & Reaction

Negative delta G occurs spontaneously, positive delta G needs energy input

Non-polar Molecules

Generally insoluble in water due to lack of charged groups/dipole moment

Emergent Properties

Key concept in the Chemistry of Life

Carbon

Most common element used by cells to capture and transfer energy

Sunlight

Ultimate source of fuel for almost all living organisms

Cis carbon-carbon double bond

Does not raise the fatty acid melting point

Energetically Coupled Reactions

Life depends on coupling exergonic with endergonic reactions

Activation Energy

Energy needed to excite reactants to a higher-energy state

Tertiary Structure

Determines the overall structure of a polypeptide

Specificity

Ability of a protein to bind a molecule in preference to others

Homologs

Genes related in structure and evolutionary origin

Enzymes & Substrates

Proteins catalyzing reactions with ligands called substrates

Michaelis Constant

Measure of enzyme affinity for substrate

Covalent Bonds

Formed by sharing electrons between atoms

Electronegativity

Atom's ability to attract electrons in a covalent bond

Equilibrium Constant

Ratio of product to reactant concentrations

Phospholipid Bilayer

Membrane structure depends on phospholipid properties

Homolog

Gene related in structure and evolutionary origin to another gene