BCH5024 Lecture 1.1.1

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms from Module 1 notes.

Biochemistry

The science at the intersection of biology and chemistry that studies the chemical foundations of living systems and the molecules and processes that define life.

Molecular biology

The study of biological processes at the molecular level, focusing on macromolecules like DNA, RNA, and proteins and their interactions.

Water

The solvent of life; a polar molecule essential for biochemical reactions and hydration of biomolecules.

Amino acids

Building blocks of proteins; molecules with an amino group, a carboxyl group, a central carbon, a hydrogen, and a variable side chain (R).

Peptides

Short chains of amino acids linked together by peptide bonds.

Proteins

Polymers of amino acids that fold into specific structures (primary, secondary, tertiary, quaternary) to perform diverse biological functions.

Primary structure

The linear sequence of amino acids in a protein.

Secondary structure

Local conformations such as alpha helices and beta sheets formed by backbone hydrogen bonding.

Tertiary structure

The three-dimensional folding of a single polypeptide into its functional shape.

Quaternary structure

An assembly of multiple polypeptide chains into a protein complex.

Noncovalent interactions

Weaker intermolecular forces (e.g., hydrogen bonds, ionic interactions, van der Waals, hydrophobic effects) that hold biomolecular assemblies together.

Hydrogen bonds

A noncovalent interaction between a hydrogen atom bonded to an electronegative atom and another electronegative atom.

Ionic interactions

Electrostatic attractions between charged groups on biomolecules.

Van der Waals interactions

Weak, nonspecific attractions arising from transient dipoles between close-contact atoms.

Hydrophobic effect

Tendency of nonpolar regions to associate away from water, driving folding and assembly in aqueous environments.

Nucleic acids

DNA and RNA; polymers of nucleotides that store and transmit genetic information; some RNA molecules also have structural or catalytic roles.

DNA

Deoxyribonucleic acid; genetic material in cells; polymer of nucleotides that stores hereditary information.

RNA

Ribonucleic acid; nucleic acid involved in coding, decoding, regulation, and catalysis; polymer of nucleotides.

Genome

The entire sequence of an organism’s DNA or RNA.

Genomics

The characterization of genome structure, function, evolution, and mapping.

Proteome

The complete set of proteins expressed in a cell, tissue, or organism.

Proteomics

Systematic study of the entire proteome, under a given set of conditions.

Polysaccharides

Polymers of simple sugars that serve as energy stores, structural components, and recognition elements.

Lipidome

The collection of lipid-containing molecules in a cell.

Lipids

Hydrophobic or amphipathic hydrocarbon derivatives that form membranes, store energy, and participate in signaling.

Bacteria

One of the three domains of life; prokaryotic microorganisms commonly found in soil, water, and hosts.

Archaea

One of the three domains of life; prokaryotes often in extreme environments, sharing features with Eukarya.

Eukarya

One of the three domains of life; organisms with eukaryotic cells containing a nucleus and organelles.

Ribosomes

Ribonucleoprotein particles that synthesize proteins by translating mRNA.

Cytosol

The aqueous interior of the cell where many metabolic pathways occur; part of the cytoplasm.

Plasma membrane

The bilayer phospholipid membrane enclosing the cell, regulating the movement of substances in and out.

Nucleus

A membrane-bound organelle in eukaryotic cells that houses the genetic material (DNA).

Emergent property

A novel characteristic that arises at a higher level of organization and is not present in individual components.

Organization

The hierarchical arrangement of cellular components into functional units and systems.

Genetic information

Information encoded in DNA (and, in some contexts, RNA) that guides development and cellular function.

Energy and matter transformation

Metabolic processes that convert energy and matter to sustain life.

Evolution

Change in heritable traits of populations over generations, shaping biodiversity.

Functional group

A specific group of atoms within a molecule that imparts characteristic chemical reactivity.

Methyl

A methyl group (–CH3), a common simple functional substituent in biomolecules.

Ether

An functional group with two carbon groups bonded to an oxygen atom (R–O–R').