Chemistry of Life: Properties and Structure of Biological Molecules

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts from the lecture on the chemistry of life, focusing on the properties and structure of biological molecules.

Cohesion

The tendency of water molecules to form hydrogen bonds with each other.

Adhesion

The tendency of water molecules to form hydrogen bonds with different charged molecules.

Hydrogen Bond

A weak bond interaction between the negative and positive regions of two separate molecules.

Polarity

The distribution of electrical charge over the atoms in a molecule; water molecules are polar due to unequal sharing of electrons.

Surface Tension

Increased hydrogen bonding forces between water molecules at the surface, causing it to behave as an elastic membrane.

High Solvency

Water's ability to dissolve many substances, though it is not considered a universal solvent.

Capillary Action

The ability of water to move through narrow spaces against gravity, driven by adhesion and cohesion.

Dehydration Synthesis

A chemical reaction that joins two monomers together, releasing a molecule of water.

Hydrolysis

A chemical reaction that breaks down polymers into monomers by adding water.

Nucleic Acids

Polymers made of nucleotide monomers that store biological information.

Primary Structure (of Proteins)

The specific sequence of amino acids in a polypeptide chain.

Peptide Bond

The covalent bond formed between two amino acids.

Secondary Structure (of Proteins)

The folding of amino acid sequences into structures like alpha-helices and beta-sheets.

Tertiary Structure (of Proteins)

The overall three-dimensional structure of a protein, stabilizing through various bonds.

Quaternary Structure (of Proteins)

The arrangement and interaction of multiple polypeptide units in a protein.

Carbon Skeletons

Chains of carbon atoms that form the backbone of complex molecules, allowing for the creation of diverse biological structures.

Energy Conservation Law

The principle stating that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed.

What is evaporation?

Evaporation is the process by which water changes from a liquid to a gas or vapor, usually due to heat.

What is condensation?

Condensation is the process where water vapor in the air is cooled and changes back into liquid water, forming clouds.

What is precipitation?

Precipitation is any form of water - such as rain, snow, sleet, or hail - that falls from clouds and reaches the ground.

What is collection in the water cycle?

Collection refers to the process where water gathers in bodies of water like rivers, lakes, and oceans after precipitation.

What role do plants play in the water cycle?

Plants contribute to the water cycle through transpiration, where they release water vapor into the atmosphere from their leaves.