Topic_2-Cell_Chemistry

Carbohydrates

Organic molecules composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, significant for energy and structure in cells.

Monosaccharides

Single sugar units, typically containing 5-6 carbon atoms, examples include glucose and fructose.

Disaccharides

Carbohydrates composed of two monosaccharides, such as sucrose (glucose + fructose) and lactose (glucose + galactose).

Polysaccharides

Long chains or polymers of glucose used for energy storage, examples include starch and glycogen.

Lipids

Molecules primarily composed of hydrogen and carbon, categorized into fatty acids, triglycerides, phospholipids, and steroids.

Fatty acids

Chains of carbon and hydrogen atoms with an acidic carboxyl group; they can be saturated or unsaturated.

Triglycerides

Fats formed from glycerol and three fatty acids, serving as energy reserves in the body.

Phospholipids

Similar to triglycerides, but contain a phosphate group; they are amphipathic and form cellular membranes.

Steroids

Lipids characterized by a structure of four interconnected carbon rings; examples include cholesterol and sex hormones.

Proteins

Macromolecules composed of amino acids that play crucial roles in structure, function, and regulation of the body.

Amino acids

Building blocks of proteins containing an amino group, a carboxyl group, and a side chain (R-group).

Peptide bond

Covalent bond formed between amino acids during protein synthesis through dehydration synthesis.

Primary structure

The sequence of amino acids in a polypeptide chain, determining its unique characteristics.

Protein conformation

The final three-dimensional shape of a protein that determines its function.

Enzyme

A protein that acts as a catalyst to accelerate biochemical reactions by lowering activation energy.

Substrate

The reactant molecule that an enzyme acts upon in a biochemical reaction.

Cofactors

Non-protein molecules or ions that assist enzymes in catalyzing reactions.

Allosteric modulation

Regulation of an enzyme via the binding of a modulator molecule at a site other than the active site.

DNA

Deoxyribonucleic acid, the molecule that carries genetic information required for the growth and reproduction of living organisms.

RNA

Ribonucleic acid, the molecule that plays a key role in transferring genetic information and protein synthesis.

Transcription

Process of copying genetic information from DNA to mRNA.

Translation

The process of synthesizing proteins based on the information carried by mRNA.

Metabolism

The sum of all chemical reactions involved in maintaining the living state of cells and the organism.

Catabolism

The metabolic process that breaks down molecules to obtain energy.

Anabolism

The metabolic process that builds up molecules, requiring energy input.

Chemical specificity

The ability of a protein-binding site to specifically bind certain ligands.

Affinity

The strength of binding between a ligand and its protein, influencing how readily a ligand is released.

Saturation

The fraction of total binding sites that are occupied at any given time.

Regulatory site

A site on an allosteric protein where a modulator binds, influencing the activity of the functional site.

Statin

A class of drugs used to lower cholesterol levels in the blood.