Chemistry of Life

These flashcards cover the essential concepts of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids as outlined in the notes from the unit.

What are the two main varieties of carbohydrates?

Simple and complex carbohydrates.

What is the general ratio of elements in carbohydrates?

1 Carbon : 2 Hydrogen : 1 Oxygen.

What is a monosaccharide?

The simplest form of carbohydrates, one unit of sugar.

What are complex carbohydrates primarily known as?

Starches.

What role do carbohydrates play in organisms?

They provide energy.

What are lipids commonly known as?

Fats, oils, and waxes.

What are the two main components of lipids?

Glycerol and fatty acid chains.

What is the crucial role of lipids in animals?

Long term energy storage.

What is a phospholipid?

A type of lipid that makes up cell membranes, having hydrophilic heads and hydrophobic tails.

What is the building block of proteins?

Amino acids (AA).

How many different amino acids are there?

20 different amino acids.

What type of bond connects amino acids in a protein?

Peptide bond.

What do enzymes do?

Speed up the rate of chemical reactions.

What is denaturing in the context of proteins?

When external factors damage the bonds, causing a protein to lose its shape.

What is activation energy?

The energy needed for a chemical reaction to occur.

What is a catalyst?

Any molecule that can lower the activation energy for a reaction.

What are nucleotides?

The monomers that make up nucleic acids.

What is the structure of DNA?

A double helix made of two strands.

What are the four types of nitrogen bases in DNA?

Adenine, Thymine, Guanine, and Cytosine.

What is the main function of RNA?

To transfer genetic information.

What are the nitrogen bases in RNA?

Adenine, Uracil, Guanine, and Cytosine.