2.1 Molecules to metabolism

Theory that life is more than the chemicals which make up living things

Vitalism

All of the enzyme-catalysed chemical reactions in a cell

Metabolism

The formation of larger molecules from smaller ones. Including macromolecules from monomers by condencsation.

Anabolism

The breakdown of complex molecules into simpler ones by hydrolysis.

Catabolism

A very large organic molecule composed of many smaller molecules (monomers)

Macromolecule

A simple compound whose molecules can join together to form polymers (macromolecules)

Monomer

A chemical reaction that breaks apart a larger molecule by adding a molecule of water

Hydrolysis reaction

A chemical reaction in which two molecules become covalently bonded to each other through the loss of a water molecule.

Condensation reaction

The toxic nitrogenous end product of protein breakdown (catabolism), excreted in urine.

Urea

A single sugar molecule such as glucose or fructose, the simplest type of sugar.

Monosaccharide

A sugar made from two monosaccharides linked together (e.g. glucose + fructose -> sucrose).

Disacchride

The variable radical of amino acids. Shown as R- in diagrams.

R-group

Molecules which make up proteins; made of a Carbon atoms, Carboxyl Group, Amine Group, Hydrogen, and an R-group

Amino acid

Fats made of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. Oils, waxes, phospholipids, triglycerides and steroids are examples.

Lipids

A polymer (chain) of many amino acids linked together by peptide bonds.

Polypeptides