BCH210 - Lecture 01

Flashcards on the introduction to biochemistry, biochemical molecules of life, and their properties.

Proteins

Large, complex molecules made of amino acids that have various functions, including defense against pathogens, receiving signals, delivering substances, regulating physiological processes, and catalyzing biochemical reactions.

Lipids

Hydrophobic molecules including fats for energy storage and insulation, cholesterol for membrane fluidity, and hormones like estrogen and testosterone.

Sugars

Organic molecules, also known as carbohydrates, that provide energy (e.g., glucose) and contribute to cell structure (e.g., cellulose).

Nucleic acid

Genetic material including DNA (stores genetic information) and RNA (involved in protein synthesis and gene regulation).

Small molecules

Small molecules such as vitamins (cofactors in metabolic reactions) and metabolites (intermediates or products in metabolism).

Ions

Inorganic charged particles (e.g., K+, Na+, Ca2+, Cl-) essential for nerve impulses, muscle function, and maintaining cellular balance.

Water

The most abundant component of the human body (70%), facilitating chemical reactions and transporting substances.

Proteins

Polymers of amino acids linked by peptide bonds, folding into functional proteins.

Polysaccharides

Polymers of monosaccharides linked by glycosidic bonds, forming linear or branched chains.

DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid)

A polymer of nucleotides (sugar + phosphate + base) linked by phosphodiester bonds, used to store genetic information.

Enzymes

Proteins responsible for forming and breaking bonds through condensation (dehydration) and hydrolysis reactions, by lowering activation energy.

Transporters

Move molecules across membranes.

Lipoproteins

Lipids + proteins that transport lipids in the blood.

Hormones

Signals between tissues.

Signaling molecules

Transmit signals.

Receptors

Detect and respond to signals.

Recognition molecules

Involved in immune responses.

Glycoproteins

Sugar + proteins used in cell-cell recognition and signaling.

Structural proteins

Provide support.

Motility proteins

Enable movement.

Covalent bonds

Hold amino acids together in the protein chain.

Non-covalent bonds

Help the protein chain fold into its final 3D structure.

Protein Cofactors

Non-protein parts that assists in protein structure or function, especially enzymes.

Prosthetic groups

Additional chemical groups, permanently attached to a protein tightly.

Coenzyme

Temporary partners that carry functional groups between molecules during chemical reactions.

Metal ions

Small and positively charged particles that stabilize the structure of protein and speed up reactions in catalysis.

Covalent bonds

Strongest bond where electrons are shared between two adjacent atoms.

Ionic (electrostatic) interactions

Form between full charges (+ and – attract each other).

Hydrogen bond

Weak attraction between a hydrogen atom already covalent bonded to a very electronegative atom and another electronegative atom.

Hydrophobic interaction

Driven by water’s behavior where non-polar parts group together to avoid water.

Van der Waals forces

Very weak attractions, but always present between all atoms and molecules.

Amphiphiles (amphipathic molecules)

Molecules with both hydrophilic and hydrophobic regions.