Chemical Components of Cells: Biology and Biochemistry Fundamentals

Four primary elements that make up the body and cells?

CHON: carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen

Where do chem rxns take place and what are their functions?

cytosol, building macromolecules

What are valence electrons and why are they important?

(8) outermost electrons that determine how atoms interact.

What are the two main types of chemical bonds?

Ionic and covalent bonds.

Characteristics of ionic bonds?

transfer of electrons between metals and non-metals, creates charged ions

Characteristics of covalent bonds?

shares pairs of electrons, bonds most molecules, can form double & triple bonds, can lead to polarity

What is the significance of hydrogen bonds in biological systems?

allows DNA to break apart, formed with nitrogen or oxygen, gives water its unique properties

Van der Waal's attraction?

weak non-covalent forces due to electron distribution between molecules

What are acids and bases in the context of cellular chemistry?

acids- (H+)

bases- (OH)

What is the role of buffers in cells?

maintain pH balance.

What is the basic structure and function of carbon?

4 val e-, makes up organic molecules, form double bonds & chain rings

What are the three types of carbohydrates?

monosaccharides- simple sugars (glucose)

disaccharides- 2 sugars connected w/ glycositic bond

polysaccharides- multiple sugars

Function of carbohydrates in cells?

• store & provide energy

• make up nucleic acids

• Function of glycoproteins and glycolipids?

• cell communication and adhesion

Structure of lipids?

hydrophilic head, hydrophobic/hydrocarbon fatty acid tails

Function of lipids?

energy storage, membrane structure

Structure of proteins?

amino acids linked by peptide bonds, amino group + carboxyl group, side R group

What is the significance of the side chains in amino acids?

Side chains distinguish one amino acid from another and influence protein folding and function.

What roles do proteins play in cells?

• structure

• movement

• membrane & organelles

• communication

• protection & adhesion

What are nucleic acids composed of?

nucleotides: sugar, nitrogenous base, phosphate group

What are the two types of nucleotides based on sugar type?

ribonucleotides and deoxyribonucleotides

What are the two categories of nitrogenous bases in nucleic acids?

Purines (Adenine and Guanine) and pyrimidines (Thymine, Cytosine, and Uracil).

What is the function of DNA?

encodes genetic information

What is the role of RNA in cells?

protein synthesis

How do condensation reactions relate to nucleic acids?

link nucleotides together by forming phosphodiester bonds