lecture recording on 11 March 2025 at 19.39.01 PM

Key Concepts from Discussion

Organic Molecules

• All organic molecules contain carbon and hydroxyl groups.

• Proteins contain nitrogen in their structure (specifically found in amino acids).

• Nucleic acids also contain nitrogen.

Components of Cell Membrane

• Plasma membranes consist of phospholipids, including proteins and cholesterol backbones.

• Triglycerides are a type of lipid formed from a glycerol and three fatty acids.

Chemical Processes

• Hydrolysis is a process involved in energy storage and release.

• The formula for glucose is C6H12O6 and it serves as a basic energy source in cells.

Inhibitors and Enzymes

• Competitive inhibitors bind to active sites of enzymes, preventing substrate binding.

Lipids

• Saturated fats lack double bonds and are typically solid at room temperature; unsaturated fats have double bonds and are usually liquid.

pH and Buffers

• Buffers help maintain pH levels by stabilizing hydrogen ion concentration in solutions.

• Aspirin is cited as an example of a buffering agent.

Miscellaneous

• Questions around the nature of hypotheses and observations in scientific methodology, emphasizing that hypotheses must be testable.

• Discussion about the biology of environments, including the population of groundhogs, humans, and squirrels on campus.