Comprehensive Biochemistry Chapter 1 Flashcards - Complete Coverage

A comprehensive set of 60 vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts in biochemistry from the provided lecture notes.

Biochemical Unity

Principle suggesting all life uses the same 4 classes of biomolecules, indicating a common ancestor.

E. coli ≈ Elephant

Despite mass differences, E. coli and elephants share remarkably similar biochemical processes.

Core Biochemical Processes

Fundamental processes applicable to all life forms, emphasizing the study of similarities in biochemistry.

Eduard Buchner's Experiment

Demonstrated that biological reactions are chemical processes not reliant on a 'vital force'.

Vitalism

The outdated theory that biological processes require a 'life force' exclusive to living cells.

Zymase Enzyme

Discovered in Buchner's experiment, it enabled fermentation in dead yeast cells.

Big Six Elements

Carbon, Hydrogen, Nitrogen, Oxygen, Phosphorus, and Sulfur; essential elements in biomolecules.

Tetravalence of Carbon

Carbon's ability to form four stable covalent bonds, providing structural diversity.

Hydrophobic Effect

Drives protein folding and membrane formation; crucial for biological structures.

DNA Structure Stability

DNA’s stability due to 2'-H on ribose, making it durable for long-term information storage.

RNA Instability

RNA’s susceptibility to hydrolysis due to 2'-OH group, making it suitable for temporary functions.

Central Dogma of Molecular Biology

The flow of genetic information: DNA → RNA → Protein.

Transcription Steps

Initiation, Elongation, and Termination in the process of converting DNA to RNA.

Translation Components

Process where ribosomes, mRNA, tRNA, and chaperones work together to synthesize proteins.

Prokaryotes vs Eukaryotes

Prokaryotes lack membrane-bound organelles, while eukaryotes have complex compartmentalization.

Compartmentalization

Separation of cellular processes into distinct areas to enhance regulation and efficiency.

Nucleus

The organelle that stores DNA and regulates gene expression.

Mitochondria

Power plants of the cell, producing ATP through cellular respiration.

Endoplasmic Reticulum

Two types: Rough ER (protein synthesis) and Smooth ER (lipid synthesis, detoxification).

Golgi Apparatus

Processes, modifies, and packages proteins and lipids for secretion or use inside the cell.

Lysosomes

Organelles that contain digestive enzymes to break down waste materials and cellular debris.

Phagocytosis

Process by which cells engulf large particles or pathogens, forming a phagosome.

Pulse-Chase Experiment

Experiment showing protein movement through the secretory pathway.

AlphaFold

AI technology predicting protein structures and accelerating drug design.

GLP-1 Agonists

Medications that mimic GLP-1 hormone, used for treating type 2 diabetes and weight management.

Human-Microbiome Interdependence

The mutual relationship between humans and their microbiota, essential for health.

Endosymbiotic Theory

Theory explaining the origin of mitochondria and chloroplasts as engulfed prokaryotes.

Chemical Bonds

Interactions between atoms; essential for forming macromolecules.

Metabolic Pathways

Series of chemical reactions occurring within a cell to produce or utilize metabolites.

Signal Transduction

Process by which cells respond to external signals through receptor activation.

Cellular Respiration

The metabolic process converting biochemical energy from nutrients into ATP.

Gene Expression Regulation

Mechanisms controlling which genes are transcribed and translated at given times.

Biochemical Pathways

Networks of enzymatic reactions that convert substrates into products.

Protein Folding Importance

Proper folding is crucial for protein function and stability.

Post-Translational Modifications

Chemical changes to proteins after synthesis, affecting their function and activity.

Molecular Condensates

Dynamic clusters of proteins and RNA in cells that create distinct biochemical environments.

Phase Separation

Separation of molecular components based on chemical properties to form distinct cellular compartments.

Selectivity of Membranes

Ability of cellular membranes to control what enters and exits the cell.

Antibody Function

Proteins produced by the immune system to identify and neutralize foreign objects.

Lysosomal Storage Diseases

Diseases caused by defects in lysosomal function, leading to substrate accumulation.

Clinical Connection to Biochemistry

Application of biochemistry knowledge to understand and treat medical conditions.

Structure-Function Relationship

The principle that a protein’s structure directly influences its function.

Chemical Stability of DNA vs RNA

DNA is stable for storage; RNA is less stable, suiting its role as a temporary messenger.

Pharmacogenomics

The study of how genes affect a person’s response to drugs.

Biochemical Equilibrium

State in which the rates of forward and reverse reactions are equal, affecting metabolism.

Competitive Inhibition

When an inhibitor competes with the substrate for an enzyme's active site.

Enzyme Kinetics

Study of the rates of enzyme-catalyzed reactions.

Homeostasis

The maintenance of stable internal conditions in living organisms.

Biochemical Unity Implications

All living organisms share common biochemical processes, guiding research and treatment.

Thermodynamics in Biochemistry

Study of energy changes in biochemical reactions.

Transcription Factors

Proteins that regulate gene expression by binding to DNA.

Hydrophobic Core in Proteins

Region in proteins that typically houses nonpolar amino acids, crucial for folding.

Cell Cycle Regulation

Control mechanisms that govern the progression of the cell cycle.

Mutations and Disease

Alterations in DNA that can lead to functional changes in proteins and result in disease.