Biochemistry and Enzymes Flashcards

A complete set of vocabulary flashcards covering enzymes, biochemistry macromolecules, cellular processes, and biochemical testing indicators based on the lecture material.

Enzyme

A protein that acts as a biological catalyst to speed up chemical reactions by lowering activation energy.

Catalyst

A substance that speeds up the rate of a chemical reaction.

Activation Energy

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

Denatured

The state of an enzyme when it is outside its optimum pH or temperature range, causing it to lose its shape and ability to function.

Active Site

The specific region on an enzyme where the substrate binds.

Substrate

The reactant or starting molecule upon which an enzyme acts.

Enzyme-Substrate Complex

The structure formed when a substrate is temporarily bound to the active site of an enzyme.

Organic Compounds

Chemical compounds that contain both carbon and hydrogen atoms.

Inorganic Compounds

Chemical compounds that do not contain both carbon and hydrogen atoms together.

Monomer

A small, simple organic molecule that binds with others to form larger complex molecules.

Polymer

A complex molecule consisting of repeated, linked monomer units.

Macromolecules

Large polymers formed by linking many smaller organic units together.

Carbohydrates

Macromolecules composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen with the general formula $(CH_2O)_n$ that provide quick energy.

Monosaccharide

A single sugar molecule, such as glucose or fructose, that serves as the building block or monomer of carbohydrates.

Polysaccharide

A complex carbohydrate made from linking individual monosaccharides into long chains.

Starch

A carbohydrate polysaccharide that serves as a common storage form of glucose in plants.

Glycogen

A carbohydrate polysaccharide stored in animal liver cells used for quick energy.

Cellulose

A carbohydrate polysaccharide contained in plant cell walls that gives them structural strength and rigidity.

Lipids

A class of nonpolar macromolecules including fats, oils, and waxes that do not dissolve in water and provide long-term energy storage and structural support in cell membranes.

Saturated Fatty Acid

A fatty acid containing the maximum possible number of hydrogen atoms and single carbon bonds, which is typically solid at room temperature and derived from animal products.

Unsaturated Fatty Acid

A fatty acid containing at least one double bond in its carbon chain, which is typically liquid at room temperature and derived from plants.

Triglyceride

A lipid molecule composed of one glycerol linked to three fatty acids formed by a condensation reaction.

Proteins

Organic compounds composed of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen (CHON) that form structural body parts and act as enzymes.

Amino Acid

The monomer or building block of proteins, linked together by peptide bonds.

Nucleic Acids

Complex organic molecules composed of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and phosphorus (CHONP) that store genetic information.

Nucleotide

The monomer of nucleic acids, consisting of a base, a sugar, and a phosphate group.

DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid)

A nucleic acid that contains the genetic material and instructions for protein synthesis inside the cell nucleus.

RNA (Ribonucleic Acid)

A nucleic acid involved in protein synthesis.

ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate)

A modified nucleotide containing a base, a sugar, and three phosphate groups that serves as energy for the cell.

Phospholipid

A structural lipid that forms the cell membrane of all cells.

Benedict's Test

An indicator test used to detect simple sugars (monosaccharides).

Lugol's Test

An indicator test using iodine used to detect starches.

Biuret Test

An indicator test used to detect proteins.