2.1 Molecules to metabolism Flashcards
Role of Molecular Biology
Molecular biology explains living processes in terms of chemical substances and reactions involved, such as the management of phenylalanine in phenylketonuria patients.
Carbon Atoms
Carbon atoms can form four covalent bonds, allowing them to create a vast array of stable compounds with various other atoms.
Basis of Life
Life is based on carbon compounds including carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.
Metabolism
Metabolism is the web of all enzyme-catalyzed reactions in a cell or organism.
Anabolism
Anabolism is the synthesis of complex molecules from simpler molecules, including the formation of macromolecules from monomers by condensation reactions.
Catabolism
Catabolism is the breakdown of complex molecules into simpler molecules, including the hydrolysis of macromolecules into monomers.
Macromolecules
The four types of macromolecules are carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, with a hydrogen to oxygen ratio of 2:1.
Lipids
Main types of lipids include steroids, waxes, phospholipids, and triglycerides.
Amino Acids
Amino acids are the monomers that make up proteins, arranged in long chains.
Urea
Urea (CO(NH2)2) is a compound produced by living organisms to excrete nitrogen. It was the first organic compound artificially synthesized, challenging the theory of vitalism.
Molecular Diagrams
Students should be able to draw molecular diagrams of glucose, ribose, a saturated fatty acid, and a generalized amino acid.
Macromolecule Tests
Starch can be detected with iodine solution, proteins with the Biuret test, and reducing sugars like glucose with Benedict’s solution.
Main Application of Artificially Produced Urea
The main application of artificially produced urea is as a nitrogen fertilizer in agriculture. It is also used in the pharmaceutical industry and in various chemical processes.
