Honors Bio Unit 1: Biochemistry

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts from the Biochemistry unit, aiding in testing knowledge on fundamental biological processes and terminology.

What are the key characteristics of living things?

They include homeostasis, reproduction, growth and development, response to stimuli, heredity, and metabolism.

What is homeostasis?

The process by which living organisms maintain a stable internal environment.

What does metabolism refer to?

The sum of all chemical reactions within a living organism.

What is the role of enzymes in biochemical reactions?

They act as catalysts to speed up the reaction rate without being consumed.

What is activation energy?

The minimum amount of energy required to start a chemical reaction.

What types of bonds are considered covalent bonds?

Bonds formed when two atoms share electrons.

What is cohesion?

The attraction between molecules of the same substance.

What is an example of a polysaccharide?

Starch, glycogen, and cellulose.

What is pH a measure of?

The concentration of hydrogen ions in a solution.

What does it mean for a solution to be a buffer?

It helps to resist changes in pH when small amounts of acid or base are added.

What is denaturation?

The process by which a protein loses its structure and function due to external stress.

What does endergonic mean?

A reaction that requires energy input to proceed.

What are the functions of triglycerides?

They serve as long-term energy storage and insulation.

What defines a saturated fat?

A fat that has no double bonds between carbon atoms.

What is hydrolysis?

The chemical process of breaking down a compound by adding water.

What are functional groups?

Specific groupings of atoms within molecules that have their own characteristic properties.

What forms a peptide bond?

A bond between two amino acids during protein synthesis.

What is an active site?

The region on an enzyme where substrate molecules bind and undergo a chemical reaction.

What is the difference between DNA and RNA?

DNA is double-stranded and contains thymine, while RNA is single-stranded and contains uracil.