Unit 1 (Biochemistry)

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts from the lecture on biochemistry.

Polarity

The property of water that leads to unequal sharing of electrons, resulting in a partial negative charge on oxygen and partial positive charges on hydrogen.

Hydrogen Bonding

Attractive forces between the hydrogen atom of one molecule and an electronegative atom of another molecule, responsible for the unique properties of water.

Cohesion

The property of water that allows molecules to stick to each other, contributing to surface tension.

Adhesion

The property that allows water molecules to stick to other surfaces.

Hydrolysis

A chemical process that splits a molecule by adding water.

Dehydration Synthesis

A chemical reaction that involves the formation of a covalent bond between monomers, resulting in the loss of a water molecule.

Nucleic Acids

Polymers made of nucleotide monomers that carry genetic information (includes DNA and RNA).

Nucleotide

The building block of nucleic acids, consisting of a five-carbon sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base.

DNA

Deoxyribonucleic acid, a nucleic acid that carries genetic information and is structured as an antiparallel double helix.

RNA

Ribonucleic acid, a nucleic acid involved in protein synthesis and containing ribose sugar.

Amino Acids

The building blocks of proteins, linked together by peptide bonds.

Polypeptide

A chain of amino acids that makes up proteins.

Carbohydrates

Organic compounds made of sugar monomers that serve as a major energy source.

Lipids

Nonpolar macromolecules which include fats, oils, and phospholipids; their structure influences their function.

Phospholipids

Lipids that contain a phosphate group, important for forming cell membranes.