Exam 2 study guide

Macromolecules

Large, complex molecules essential for life, including proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids.

Proteins

Macromolecules composed of amino acids that perform a variety of functions in the body, including enzymatic catalysis, structure, transport, and regulation.

Amino Acid

Organic compounds that combine to form proteins; they are the building blocks of proteins.

Carbohydrates

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

Monosaccharides

The simplest form of carbohydrates, consisting of single sugar molecules, such as glucose.

Lipids

Hydrophobic organic molecules that include fats, oils, phospholipids, and steroids, with functions in membrane structure and energy storage.

Nucleic Acids

Polymers that are essential for the storage and transfer of genetic information; include DNA and RNA.

Enzymes

Proteins that catalyze chemical reactions, lowering activation energy and speeding up processes.

Catalysis

The process of speeding up a reaction by lowering the activation energy, often facilitated by enzymes.

Catabolism

The metabolic process that breaks down complex molecules to release energy.

Anabolism

The metabolic pathway that constructs molecules from smaller units, requiring energy input.

ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate)

The primary energy carrier in cells, used for various biochemical reactions.

Redox Reactions

Chemical reactions involving the transfer of electrons, where oxidation and reduction occur.

Oxidation

The loss of electrons during a reaction.

Reduction

The gain of electrons during a reaction.

Glycolysis

The metabolic pathway that breaks down glucose into pyruvate, producing ATP and NADH.

Fermentation

The anaerobic breakdown of glucose to produce ATP.

Aerobic Respiration

The process of breaking down glucose in the presence of oxygen to produce ATP.

Microbial Growth

An increase in the number of microbial cells, commonly through binary fission.

Binary Fission

A type of asexual reproduction in which a single cell divides to form two identical daughter cells.

Biofilms

Complex communities of microorganisms that adhere to surfaces and are embedded in a self-produced matrix.

Disinfectants

Chemical agents used on surfaces to kill or inhibit microbial growth.

Antiseptics

Chemical agents used on living tissues to reduce microbial growth.

Sterilants

Chemical agents that kill all forms of life, including spores.