Biochemistry Basics

Flashcards covering key concepts of biochemistry including definitions and descriptions of major categories and structures.

Biochemistry

The study of chemistry in living things.

Carbohydrates

Sugars represented by the formula Cx(H2O)y; includes monosaccharides such as glucose.

Lipids

Hydrophobic substances, mostly insoluble in water; includes triglycerides and fatty acids.

Proteins

Large molecules composed of amino acids; serve various roles including transport, structure, and enzymes.

Amino Acids

Organic compounds that serve as the building blocks of proteins; contain amino and carboxylic functional groups.

Peptide Bond

The bond between the carboxyl group of one amino acid and the amino group of another.

Nucleic Acids

Chains of nucleotide bases on a sugar backbone; includes DNA and RNA.

DNA

Biopolymer that contains the genetic code, structured as a double helix.

RNA

Single-stranded molecule that carries the genetic message for protein synthesis.

Ligand

A molecule that binds to a receptor to produce a signal.

Sterochemistry

The study of the spatial arrangement of atoms in molecules; relevant for binding in drug receptors.

G Protein Coupled Receptor

A type of receptor that interacts with ligands and initiates a cellular response through G proteins.

Hydrogen Bonding

A type of non-covalent interaction that plays a key role in the binding of molecules, including drugs to receptors.

Triglycerides

Fats composed of glycerol and three fatty acid chains.

Enantiomers

Mirror image molecules that exhibit chirality.

Codons

Sequences of three nucleotide bases that specify amino acids in protein synthesis.

Peptide

A molecule composed of two or more amino acids linked by peptide bonds.