Biochemistry Basics – Proteins, Lipids, ATP & pH

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms related to protein structure, ATP, lipid composition, and pH regulation presented in the lecture notes.

Amino Acid Sequence

The specific order of amino acids in a polypeptide chain that dictates a protein’s overall level of organization and final shape.

Protein Denaturation

Loss of a protein’s native three-dimensional structure, often caused by changes in temperature or pH, resulting in loss of function.

Temperature (Protein Stability)

A physical factor that can disrupt weak bonds within proteins, contributing to changes in structure or denaturation.

pH (Protein Stability)

A measure of hydrogen-ion concentration; extreme values can disrupt ionic and hydrogen bonds in proteins and alter their structure.

Secondary Structure (Protein)

Local folding of a polypeptide into α-helices or β-sheets, stabilized primarily by hydrogen bonds.

Hydrogen Bond

A weak attraction between a slightly positive hydrogen and a slightly negative atom (such as O or N) that stabilizes protein secondary structure.

Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP)

The cell’s primary energy currency, consisting of adenine, ribose, and three phosphate groups; hydrolysis of its terminal phosphate releases energy.

Adenosine Diphosphate (ADP)

The molecule produced when ATP loses its terminal phosphate group along with the release of usable energy.

High-Energy Phosphate Bond

The unstable covalent linkage between phosphate groups in ATP that stores significant chemical energy.

Dehydration Synthesis

An anabolic reaction that links monomers to form polymers by removing a molecule of water.

Hydrolysis

A catabolic reaction that breaks polymers into monomers by adding a molecule of water.

Phospholipid

A lipid composed of glycerol, two fatty acids, and a phosphate group; forms the structural basis of cell membranes.

pH Scale

A logarithmic scale ranging from 0 to 14 that indicates the acidity or alkalinity of a solution; each unit represents a ten-fold change in H+ (or OH−) concentration.

Buffer

A chemical system that resists drastic changes in pH by absorbing or releasing hydrogen (H+) or hydroxide (OH−) ions.