Macromolecules, Enzymes & Cycles Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering major biological macromolecules, protein structure, enzymatic processes, and biochemical cycles based on the study guide transcript.

Carbohydrates

Sugars made mostly of C, H, and O that function in quick energy and structural support.

Lipids

Molecules consisting mostly of C and H (fats and oils) used for long-term energy, insulation, and cell membranes.

Proteins

Chains of amino acids folded into specific shapes that function in enzymes, structure, transport, movement, and defense.

Nucleic Acids

Chains of nucleotides that store and transmit genetic information, such as DNA and RNA.

Primary Protein Structure

The specific sequence of amino acids in a protein chain.

Secondary Protein Structure

Local folds in a protein chain, such as $\text{α}$-helices and $\text{β}$-sheets.

Tertiary Protein Structure

The overall 3D shape of one protein chain.

Quaternary Protein Structure

Structure formed by multiple protein chains working together.

Dehydration Synthesis

A chemical reaction that builds larger molecules from smaller ones and removes water.

Hydrolysis

A chemical reaction that breaks larger molecules into smaller ones and adds water.

Enzymes

Proteins that act as biological catalysts to speed up reactions by lowering activation energy.

Active Site

The specific region on an enzyme where the substrate attaches or binds.

Substrate Specificity

The property describing how an enzyme usually works with a specific substrate, analogous to a lock and key.

Competitive Inhibitor

An inhibitor that competes directly with the substrate for the active site of an enzyme.

Noncompetitive Inhibitor

An inhibitor that binds elsewhere on an enzyme, changing its overall shape.

Denaturation

The loss of a protein or enzyme's normal shape due to extreme heat, extreme pH, or chemicals, causing reduced or stopped activity.

Feedback Inhibition

A process where the final product of a pathway inhibits an enzyme earlier in the pathway to prevent wasting energy and materials.

Nitrogen Fixation

The process in the nitrogen cycle that converts atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form.

Assimilation

The process in the nitrogen cycle where plants absorb nitrogen from the soil.

Ammonification

The process in the nitrogen cycle where decomposers return nitrogen to the soil.

Nitrification

The process where bacteria convert nitrogen into forms plants can use.

Denitrification

The process in the nitrogen cycle that returns nitrogen to the atmosphere.