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Acid

A compound that forms hydrogen ions (H+) in solution; a solution with a pH of less than 7.

Nucleotide

A subunit of a nucleic acid formed from a simple sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base.

Catalyst

A substance that speeds up the rate of a chemical reaction.

Macromolecule

A large molecule formed by joining smaller organic molecules together.

pH

The measure of the concentration of H+ ions in a solution.

Solute

A substance that is dissolved in a solution.

Buffer

A compound that prevents sharp, sudden changes in pH.

Substrate

Reactant of an enzyme-catalyzed reaction

Lipid

Hydrophobic biological molecule composed mostly of carbon and hydrogen; fats, oils, and waxes are lipids

Polymer

Molecules composed of many monomers; makes up macromolecules.

Activation Energy

Energy that is needed to get a reaction started.

Mixture

Material composed of two or more elements or compounds that are physically mixed together but not chemically combined

Product

Elements or compounds produced by a chemical reaction.

Carbohydrate

organic compound containing carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen; type of nutrient that is the major source of energy for the body.

Protein

Organic compound made of amino acids joined by peptide bonds.

Enzyme

Protein catalyst that speeds up the rate of specific biological reactions.

Active Site

Specific place where a substrate binds on an enzyme.

Solvent

Dissolving substance in a solution.

Base

A compound that produces hydroxide ions (OH-) im solution; a solution with a pH of more than 7.

Solution

Type of mixture in which all the components are evenly distributed.

Amino Acid

compound with an amino group on one end and a carboxyl group on the other end; building block of proteins.

Reactant

Elements or compounds that enter into a chemical reaction.

Nucleic Acid

Macromolecule containing hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, carbon, and phosphorus; stores and communicates genetic information.

Chemical Reaction

Process that changes, or transforms, one set of chemicals into another set of chemicals.