Chemistry of Life and Biological Macromolecules

A set of flashcards to review key concepts related to the chemistry of life and biological macromolecules.

What are the simplest forms of matter that cannot be broken down into smaller parts?

Chemical elements.

What types of bonds allow atoms to interact?

Ionic, covalent, and hydrogen bonds.

Which type of bond is generally considered the strongest?

Covalent bonds.

What key property of water makes it essential for life?

Water is a universal solvent.

What are the four major biological macromolecules?

Carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.

How are proteins synthesized in the body?

DNA is transcribed to RNA, which then translates the code into amino acids for protein formation.

What is the relationship between a protein's primary structure and its quaternary structure?

The primary structure determines the final folding and the quaternary structure of the protein.

What are monomers?

Monomers are the building blocks of macromolecules.

Which four elements make up more than 90% of the human body?

Carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, and hydrogen.

What is a Covenant bond?

A type of bond in which two atoms share electrons.

Give an example of a biological process that water participates in.

Water participates in chemical reactions such as hydrolysis.

What are the main classes of biological molecules?

Carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids, and ATP.

What charge does a sodium ion carry after it loses an electron?

Positive charge (Na+).

What are hydrophilic substances?

Substances that readily dissolve in water.

Why is protein structure important?

Protein structure determines its function in biological processes.

What is the primary role of enzymes?

To lower the activation energy needed for biochemical reactions.