Biochemistry Lesson 1 - Introduction to Biochemistry, Biomolecules, and Cells

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms from the lecture notes (Biochemistry, biomolecules, cells, and organelles).

Biochemistry

A branch of chemistry dealing with the molecular nature of life processes; multidisciplinary and studies substances that compose living organisms; involves Organic Chemistry.

Biochemistry

A multi-disciplinary field that studies the substances that compose living organisms.

Organic Chemistry

Study of compounds containing carbon and hydrogen and their derivatives.

Biochemistry

Enables us to understand diagnoses of diseases and how a substance taken in (food or drug) produces its intended effect by affecting the chemical composition of the cells / body in the medical field

Carbon-based substances

Life forms are mostly composed of this

Carbon-based substances

Also known as organic molecules

O and N

Functional groups of biologically-important molecules contain _ and _, the most electronegative elements.

Organic Molecules (Carbon-based substances)

Carbon-based substances classified by functional groups; often polar and highly reactive in cellular environments due to O and N.

Functional Groups

Specific groups of atoms in molecules that determine chemical behavior; biologically important groups commonly contain O and N.

Polar

Molecules with an uneven distribution of electrical charge, making them reactive in cellular environments.

Biomolecules

Organic molecules essential for life; also called macromolecules; include carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.

Macromolecules

Large biological molecules formed from smaller subunits; another term for biomolecules.

Carbohydrates

Biomolecules that store energy and provide structural support; one of the four main biomolecule groups.

Lipids

Biomolecules including fats; components of membranes and energy storage.

Proteins

Polymeric molecules made of amino acids; perform diverse structural and functional roles in cells.

Nucleic Acids

Biomolecules (DNA and RNA) that store and transmit genetic information and guide protein synthesis.

DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid)

Nucleic acid that stores genetic information in cells.

RNA (Ribonucleic Acid)

Nucleic acid that participates in protein synthesis and gene regulation.

Biosynthesis

Formation of biomolecules inside living systems through life processes.

Chemosynthetic Pathway

Hypothesized route by which early Earth chemistry formed organic molecules before life existed.

Miller-Urey Experiment

Proved the chemosynthetic pathway valid

Miller-Urey Experiment

Classic experiment showing abiotic synthesis of organic compounds (e.g., amino acids) under early-Earth conditions using spark discharge.

Carbohydrates and fatty acids

C, H, O

Amino acids and proteins

C, H, O, N, S

Nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) and lipids

C, H, O, N, S, P

Membrane (cell)

Building up of atoms to form molecules happens within a ____

Cells

Via the execution of the chemical messages contained in their DNA, exhibit life processes.

Prokaryotic Cell

Cell type without a nucleus or membrane-bound organelles; typical of bacteria; usually unicellular.

Eukaryotic Cell

Cell type with a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles; can be unicellular (protists and fungi) or multicellular (plants and animals ).

Prokaryotes

Organisms composed of prokaryotic cells; commonly bacteria; usually unicellular.

Nucleus

Organelle containing the cell’s main genome; site of DNA and RNA synthesis in eukaryotic cells.

Mitochondrion

Organelle where energy-yielding oxidation reactions occur; contains its own DNA.

Chloroplast

Plant/algal organelle where photosynthesis occurs; contains DNA.

Endoplasmic Reticulum

Intracellular network for synthesis and transport of proteins and lipids. Internal transport.

Golgi Apparatus

Organelle involved in modifying, sorting, and secreting proteins.

Lysosomes

Organelles that contain hydrolytic enzymes for intracellular digestion.

Peroxisomes

Organelles involved in metabolism of hydrogen peroxide and other oxidative reactions.

Cell Membrane

Phospholipid bilayer that separates the cell from its external environment; selective barrier.

Cell Wall

Protective exterior layer of plant cells that provides structure and support.

Vacuole

Storage sac within plant cells used for storage and maintenance of turgor.

Organelles

Specialized subcellular structures with specific functions (e.g., nucleus, mitochondria, chloroplasts, ER, Golgi).

Cells

Basic units of structure and function

Tissues

Group of cells with specific functions (eg., epithelial, connective, muscle, nerve)

Organs

Functional units composed of different tissues (eg., heart)

Organ Systems

Highest level of organization composed of interacting organs that perform specific functions and relate to other organ system

Biomolecules

Organic molecules important for life processes. Also referred to as macromolecules.

Biomolecules

Includes the carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids