Unit 1: Biochemistry Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering core biochemistry concepts including biological elements, organic chemistry, monomers and polymers, metabolic processes, and the four major macromolecule classes.

Elements of Life

The six main elements that compose all living organisms: Sulfur (S), Phosphorus (P), Oxygen (O), Nitrogen (N), Carbon (C), and Hydrogen (H).

Organic Chemistry

The study of carbon compounds, centered on carbon's four valence electrons which allow it to bind with four atoms.

Monomer

A single basic unit that serves as the building block of macromolecules.

Polymer

A large molecule consisting of a group of connected monomers.

Polymerization

The process of forming polymers from individual monomers.

Dehydration Synthesis

An anabolic process where monomers are joined together to form polymers when a catalyst removes a water molecule.

Hydrolysis

A catabolic process where water acts like a catalyst to break chemical bonds between macromolecules during digestion.

Carbohydrates

Biological macromolecules composed of Carbon, Hydrogen, and Oxygen in a $1 : 2 : 1$ ratio that feature ring structures and serve as the main source of energy.

Monosaccharide

The monomer of carbohydrates, featuring a single ring structure, with examples including Glucose, Fructose, and Galactose.

Polysaccharide

A carbohydrate polymer formed from joined monosaccharides, with examples including Cellulose and Starch.

Lipids

Macromolecules composed of glycerol and fatty acid monomers containing Carbon, Hydrogen, and Oxygen in chain structures, serving as long-term energy storage.

Saturated Fatty Acid

A fatty acid composed of single bonds that allow the molecules to stack on each other, typically coming from animal sources.

Unsaturated Fatty Acid

A fatty acid containing a double bond that bends the chain, preventing molecules from stacking, typically coming from plant sources.

Protein

A macromolecule composed of amino acid monomers containing Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen, and Nitrogen that functions in cellular transport, fighting diseases, forming muscles and bones, and producing enzymes.

Amino Acid Structure

The structural unit of protein monomers, consisting of an Amine group, a Carboxyl group, and a variable R-group (Spare group).

Nucleotide Structure

The three-part monomer of nucleic acids consisting of a 5-Carbon Sugar (Pentose), a Phosphate group, and a Nitrogenous base.

Nucleic Acids

Biological macromolecules composed of Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen, Nitrogen, and Phosphorus (CHONP) that store genetic information, such as DNA and RNA.

DNA Hydrogen Bonding

Specific base pairing in DNA where Cytosine and Guanine share a triple bond, while Adenine and Thymine share a double bond.

Macromolecule Elemental Composition

The fundamental elements composing each macromolecule class: Carbs (CHO), Lipids (CHO), Proteins (CHON), and Nucleic Acids (CHONP).

DNA Backbone

The outer structural frame of DNA formed in part by phosphate groups connected between nucleotides.