Molecular biochemistry

Biochemistry

A biological and chemical science that seeks to understand the chemical basis of life processes.

Metabolism

The chemical reactions that occur within a living organism to maintain life.

DNA

Deoxyribonucleic acid, a molecule that carries genetic information.

RNA

Ribonucleic acid, a molecule that plays roles in coding, decoding, regulation, and expression of genes.

Enzymes

Proteins that act as catalysts to accelerate biochemical reactions.

Polynucleotides

Heteropolymers made of four different nucleotides, essential for storing and transmitting genetic information.

Peptide bonds

Covalent bonds that link amino acids together in proteins.

Promoter

A sequence of DNA that initiates transcription of a particular gene.

Proteomics

The study of all proteins in an organism and how they interact.

Metabolomics

The study of the variety and amount of metabolites from cellular metabolism.

Gel Electrophoresis

A laboratory technique used to separate DNA, RNA, or proteins based on their size.

Polysaccharides

Carbohydrates that are polymers of sugars, used for energy or structural purposes.

Friedrich Wohler

A chemist who synthesized urea in 1828, bridging the gap between living and nonliving matter.

Triacylglycerols

A type of lipid that serves as an energy source.

Cell membrane

A biological membrane that separates and protects the interior of all cells from the outside environment.

Eukaryotic Cells

Cells that have a nucleus and organelles, including plant and animal cells.

Prokaryotic Cells

Unicellular organisms that lack a nucleus, including bacteria and archaea.

Bioinformatics

An interdisciplinary field that develops methods and software tools for understanding biological data.

Genomics

The study of the entire genome of an organism, including gene expression patterns.

Mitochondria

Organelles specialized for oxidative metabolism, producing energy for the cell.

Chloroplasts

Organelles found in plant cells that conduct photosynthesis.

Lipids

Macromolecules that are hydrophobic and include fats, oils, and cholesterol.

What are Amino Acids?

Building blocks of proteins, which contain an amino group, carboxyl group, and a unique side chain.

What is Carbohydrate?

Organic compounds made of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, primarily serving as energy sources.

What is Hydrolysis?

A chemical process that involves the breaking down of a compound by the addition of water.

What is Photosynthesis?

The process by which green plants use sunlight to synthesize foods from carbon dioxide and water.

What are Lipids?

Hydrophobic organic molecules, including fats and oils, that store energy and participate in cellular signaling.

What is Cellular Respiration?

The metabolic process in which organisms convert biochemical energy from nutrients into ATP.

What are Nucleotides?

The basic building blocks of nucleic acids, consisting of a nitrogenous base, a sugar, and a phosphate group.

What is Genetic Engineering?

The direct manipulation of genes for practical purposes, such as creating genetically modified organisms.

What is Chromatography?

A technique used for separating mixtures into their individual components.

What is the Role of Ribosomes?

Cellular structures responsible for synthesizing proteins by translating messenger RNA.

What is the Cell Theory?

A widely accepted explanation that states all living things are composed of cells, and all cells arise from pre-existing cells.

What are Organelles?

Specialized structures within a cell that perform distinct processes necessary for cell function.

What is the function of the Nucleus?

The membrane-bound organelle that contains the cell's genetic material and regulates gene expression.

What is Chlorophyll?

The green pigment found in chloroplasts that is essential for photosynthesis.

What are Enzymes?

Biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions in living organisms.

What is ATP?

Short for adenosine triphosphate, ATP is the primary energy currency of cells, providing energy for various cellular processes.

What is a Mutation?

A change in the DNA sequence that can lead to variations in traits or diseases.

What are Antioxidants?

Molecules that neutralize free radicals, potentially preventing cellular damage.

What is the function of Ribosomal RNA (rRNA)?

A type of RNA that, along with proteins, makes up the structure of ribosomes.

What is the role of DNA Polymerase?

An enzyme that synthesizes DNA molecules from deoxyribonucleotides, essential for DNA replication.

Each of the following is a noncovalent interaction EXCEPT:

the interaction between an amino and a carboxylate group.

Which of the following statements about noncovalent bonding interactions is NOT true?

Charge-induced dipole interactions are inversely proportional to the distance between the two atoms, 1/r.