biochemical processes Flashcards
What is the importance of water
The dipole structure of water allows this substance to have numerous unique properties like
- low viscosity
- most common bio reagent in chemical reactions
- high specific heat
- dissolves ions
What are the differences between ATP and RNA nucleotides ?
RNA has more phosphate groups and more types of nitrogenous bases (A,U,C,G) whereas ATP has one type of bad ( adenine ) and less phosphate groups
What is the role of carbs?
Structural component of cells
Energy reserves
Cellular recognition
What is the role of lipids ?
Insulation
Concentrated energy source
Phospholipids - membrane
What is the role of proteins ?
Structural Catalytic Movement Message signalling Internal defence
What is the role of nucleic acids?
Store genetic information for the construction and functioning of the organism .
Catabolism
The breaking down of substances
Exergonic
Anabolic
Endergonic
Manufacture / synthesis of substances
Storing energy as ATP for temporary usage is good because
ATP is small and readily available
What is the difference between ATP and nucleotides
ATP had more phosphate groups
ATP only has one type of ribose sugar
Activation energy
Energy that must be overcome for a chemical reaction to occur.
Enzymes are
Biological catalysts
Building block - amino acid
Change the rate of reaction (speeds )
Characteristics of an enzyme?
Small quantities
Reusable
Do not participate in chemical reactions.
Specific to reaction
Their action could be intracellular or extracellular
Inhibitors
Bind to enzyme to reduce their activity
Temporary inhibitors
Fit into active site
Prevent formation of substrate
