Unit 1 - Biochemistry of Life Terms

Electronegativity

The extent an atom can attract shared electrons in a chemical bond, influencing polarity

Polar Molecule

A molecule with an uneven distribution of charge due to differences in electronegativity between the atoms.

Dipole Movement

Measure of the separation of positive and negative charges in a system, indicating overall polarity

Non Polar Molecule

A molecule with an even distribution of charge

Intermolecular Forces

Force which controls interaction between molecules

Intramolecular Forces

Strong forces holding atoms together within a molecule or compound

Hydrogen Bond

Strong intramolecular force as a result of the attractive force between hydrogen and a more electronegative atom

Cohesion

The attraction of similar molecule

Adhesion

Attraction between different molecules

Surface tension

Strong cohesive forces at the surface of a substance

Monomer for the Macromolecule Protein

Amino Acids

Monomer of Lipids

2 components - Glycerol, Fatty Acids

Monomer of Carbs

Monosaccharides

Monomer of Nucleic Acid

Nucleotides

Van der Waals Interactions

Weak, temporary forces resulting from electrons clumping up on one side of an atom.

Function of proteins

Transport, enzymes, structural component

FUnction of Lipids

long term energy storage, insulation

Function of nucleic acids

stores and transmits genetic information

Function of carbs

Provides quick energy

Dehydration synthesis

joins 2 monomers by removing water

Hydrolysis

breaks down a polymer through the addition of water

Prefixes for 1,2,3,4,5 carbons

meth, eth, pro, but, pent

Prefixes for 6,7,8,9,10 carbons

hex, hept, oct, non, deca

monosaccharide

simple sugar - simplest unit of carbs

polysaccharide

complex carbs - straight or branched chains of monosaccharides

Isomer

same molecular formula, different structural formula

Optical isomer

same structural formula but mirrored

structural isomer

atoms linked in different sequences

functional groups

a specific group of atoms or bonds within a molecule, determining chemical properties

Emergent properties

New characteristics of a system arising from interactions of it’s structural components

Metabolism

The process by which the body converts food and drinks into energy

4 functional groups

Alcohol, Carbonyl, Amine, Carboxylic Acid/Carboxyl