Biochemistry Overview

This flashcard set covers key vocabulary and concepts defined in biochemistry, including macromolecules, metabolism, DNA/RNA processes, and microorganism functions.

Biochemistry

The study of chemical processes between organisms.

Macromolecules

Large molecules such as proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, and lipids that are essential to life.

Metabolism

The set of life-sustaining chemical reactions that involve the conversion of nutrients and energy.

Binary Fission

A method of asexual reproduction used by bacteria where a cell divides into two identical daughter cells.

Pathogen

A microorganism that causes disease.

Antibiotics

Medicines used to prevent and treat bacterial infections.

Hydrophilic

Having an affinity for water; water-loving.

Hydrophobic

Repelling water; water-fearing.

Phenotype

The observable physical or biochemical characteristics of an organism, as determined by its genetic makeup.

Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA)

A molecule that carries most of the genetic instructions used in growth, development, and reproduction.

RNA (Ribonucleic Acid)

A molecule that plays several roles in coding, decoding, regulation, and expression of genes.

Nucleotide

The basic structural unit of nucleic acids, consisting of a nitrogenous base, a sugar, and a phosphate group.

Phosphodiester Bond

The linkage between the phosphate group of one nucleotide and the hydroxyl group on the sugar of another nucleotide.

Covalent Bond

A chemical bond that involves the sharing of electron pairs between atoms.

Mutation

A change in the DNA sequence that may lead to the alteration of a gene.

Natural Selection

The process where organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring.

Transcription

The process of copying a segment of DNA into RNA.

Replication

The process by which DNA makes a copy of itself during cell division.

Chargaff's Rule

In any DNA molecule, the amount of adenine equals thymine, and the amount of guanine equals cytosine.

Semi-conservative Replication

The method of DNA replication in which each new double helix consists of one old strand and one newly synthesized strand.

Mismatches Repair (MMR)

A DNA repair system that corrects mispaired nucleotides that occur during DNA replication.

Gene Transfer

The process by which genes are transferred from one organism to another.