The Chemistry of Life

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary from the lecture on the Chemistry of Life, focusing on essential concepts in biochemistry, molecular structure, and biological functions.

Biochemistry

The study of the molecules that compose living organisms, including carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and nucleic acids.

Element

The simplest form of matter that has unique chemical properties, identified by its atomic number, the number of protons in its nucleus.

Isotope

Varieties of an element that differ in the number of neutrons and therefore in atomic mass.

Ionization

The transfer of electrons from one atom to another, resulting in the formation of an ion.

Anion

A negatively charged particle due to the gain of electrons.

Cation

A positively charged particle due to the loss of electrons.

Electrolytes

Substances that ionize in water and form solutions capable of conducting electric current.

Chemical Bond

An attraction between atoms that can hold them together within a molecule or attract one molecule to another.

Covalent bond

A bond formed when atoms share one or more pairs of electrons.

Hydration Sphere

A structure formed by water molecules surrounding an ion, facilitating its solubility.

pH Scale

A logarithmic scale used to measure the acidity or basicity of a solution, where lower values are more acidic, and higher values are more basic.

Dehydration Synthesis

A chemical reaction that involves the joining of monomers to form polymers with the loss of water.

Hydrolysis

A chemical reaction that involves the breaking down of polymers into monomers with the addition of water.

Monosaccharides

The simplest carbohydrates, which are the building blocks of more complex carbohydrates.

Glycogen

A polysaccharide that serves as energy storage in animal cells.

Triglycerides

A type of fat consisting of three fatty acids linked to glycerol, primarily used for energy storage.

Phospholipids

Molecules that form the structural foundation of cell membranes, consisting of two fatty acids and a phosphate group.

Amino Acids

Organic compounds that serve as the building blocks of proteins, consisting of an amino group, carboxyl group, and a variable R group.

Peptide Bond

A bond formed between two amino acids, linking the amino group of one to the carboxyl group of another.

Enzyme

A biological catalyst that speeds up chemical reactions in living organisms.

ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate)

The primary energy carrier in cells, known for transferring energy through the addition and removal of phosphate groups.

Nucleotides

The building blocks of nucleic acids, composed of a sugar, phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base.