Introduction to Biochemistry and Biomolecules

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers the fundamental concepts of biochemistry, the chemical composition of cells, the types of biomolecules and their linkages, and the chemical properties of water based on the lecture notes.

Biochemistry

The branch of biology which explains the biochemical basis of life.

Protoplasm

The living matter within a cell that chemically contains $70\%$ to $90\%$ of $H_2O$.

Dry Weight of cell

The remaining mass of a cell after the water has evaporated, consisting of carbon containing long chain molecules called Biomolecules.

Biomolecules

Organic, carbon containing long chain molecules produced by living organisms, primarily composed of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulphur.

Glycoside linkage

The specific chemical linkage found in Carbohydrates, such as Polysaccharides.

Peptide linkage

The chemical linkage that joins Amino Acids to form Proteins.

Ester linkages

The chemical linkages found in Lipids such as Fats and Oils, also involves $c-c$ linkages in Phospholipids.

Isoprenoids units

The building block subunits that form Terpenoids.

Deoxyribonucleotides

The building block units that compose $DNA$.

Ribonucleotides

The building block units that compose $RNA$.

Phosphoester linkages

The chemical linkages found in Nucleic Acids, including $DNA$ and $RNA$.

Macromolecules (Polymers)

Large, highly organized molecules made up of large numbers of low molecular weight subunits called monomers.

Condensation (Dehydration Synthesis)

The process of joining two monomers by removing $-OH$ from one and $H^+$ from another to form a new covalent bond and a water molecule.

Hydrolysis

The process of breaking down a polymer into its subunits (monomers) by the addition of a $H_2O$ molecule.

Dipole

The separation of electrical charges in a molecule, such as seen in water where oxygen has a partial negative charge ($\delta^-$) and hydrogen has a partial positive charge ($\delta^+$).

Hydrogen bond

An intermolecular force of attraction formed between the partially charged $H^+$ of one molecule and the partial $\delta^-$ charge of another molecule.

Cohesion

The attractive force between similar molecules, such as water molecules forming $H$-bonds with each other to flow as a long chain.