0211 Introduction to Biochemistry Flashcards
What is biochemistry? The levels & players in biochemistry Signals & responses in biochemistry Key molecular species – nucleotides, proteins, fats & carbohydrates What is metabolism? Pathways of metabolism & their constituents Major metabolic pathways Cell types & roles Examples of biochemical importance
What is biochemistry
Biochemistry is the molecular description of the functions essential for life
What are the 4 key molecular species (think macronutrients and essential foods)
4 key molecular species: Proteins, fats, Carbohydrates and vitamins/minerals
Describe a typical biochemical pathway (4 main events)
Stimulus -> Signal -> Response -> Feedback
What are the 4 main biochemical responses (end point body cellular responses) to any stimulus
4 main biochemical responses to stimuli: Growth, death, activity, storage
What is DNA
DNA is deoxyribonucleic acid. It is the genetic blue print present in all cells (minus red blood cells) required for life
What are the 4 main structures of protein
4 main protein structures: Primary, secondary, tertiary and quarternary structures
What are the 2 types of fats
The 2 types of fats are Fatty acids and cholesterol
What is the generic formula of carbohydrates
Generic chemical formula of (CH2O)n
What are minerals
Minerals are chemical elements required by living organisms, other than the four elements carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, and oxygen present in common organic molecules
What are vitamins
A vitamin is an organic compound required by an organism as a vital nutrient in limited amounts
What is anabolism
Anabolism is the set of metabolic pathways that construct molecules from smaller units. These reactions require energy
What is catabolism
Catabolism is the set of metabolic pathways that breaks down molecules into smaller units to release energy
Name the major metabolic pathways
Carbs = glycolysis and gluconeogenesi
Fats = Beta oxidation and fatty acid synthesis
Proteins= synthesis of AA and breaking of protein.
Also the TCA cycle and the electron transport chain
