Introduction to Biochemistry

Flashcards for Biochemistry Review

Are molecules living?

Molecules are lifeless.

What are the four major classes of biomolecules?

Proteins, nucleic acids, polysaccharides, lipids; all contain carbon

Proteins:

Amino Acids

Sugars:

Monosaccharides

Nucleic Acids:

Nucleotides

Lipids:

Fatty Acids & Glycerol

What is the 1st Law of Thermodynamics?

Energy cannot be created/destroyed, but can be transformed.

What is the 2nd Law of Thermodynamics?

Entropy (disorder) of the universe increases.

Enthalpy (H)

Heat content of a system.

Entropy (S)

How energy is dispersed in a system.

Exothermic Reaction

Heat released to surroundings. ΔH < 0

Endothermic Reaction

Heat absorbed from surroundings. ΔH > 0

Spontaneous/Exergonic Reaction

ΔG < 0

Nonspontaneous/Endergonic Reaction

ΔG > 0

Prokaryotes

Lack discrete nucleus; usually no internal membrane.

Eukaryotes

Have a discrete nucleus; have internal membranes.

Dielectric Constant

Ability to diminish electrostatic interactions between dissolved ions.

Aqueous Solutions

H+ combines with a water molecule to produce a hydronium ion (H3O+).

Proton Jumping

Proton moves and is shared among nearby water molecules.

BAAD

Bases Accept H+, Acids Donate H+