Biochemistry Flashcards
What is biochemistry?
the branch of science that studies the chemical processes that occur within living things
What are macromolecules?
a large molecule made up of monomers
What are the four classes of macromolecules?
- carbohydrates
- proteins
- lipids
- nucleic acids
What are carbohydrates?
complex sugar molecules
What are monosaccharides?
the simplest type of a carbohydrate (because it contains a simple sugar)
What is the ratio of monosaccharides?
1 carbon : 2 hydrogen : 1 oxygen
What is the formula for cellular respiration?
C6H12O6 + 6O2 –> 6CO2 + 6H2O + ATP
What is the formula for photosynthesis?
6CO2 + 6H2O → C6H12O6 + 6O2
What makes sugars so hydrophilic?
they have many polar functional groups which makes them highly soluable
What are functional groups?
ionic or strongly polar
What is an isomer?
a molecule that has the same chemical formula as another but is arranged differently
Name some isomers
glucose, fructose, and galactose are isomers of each other
What are disaccharides?
2 monosaccharides that are joined by a dehydration synthesis reaction
What is a dehydration synthesis reaction?
a chemical reaction that involves the loss of water from a reacting molecule
Name some disaccharides
lactose, maltose, and sucrose
What is a glycosidic bond?
a bond that’s created when monosaccharides are linked together
When is a 1,4 ALPHA glycosidic bond formed?
when the OH on the carbon-1 is BELOW the glucose ring
When is a 1,4 BETA glycosidic bond formed?
when the OH on the carbon-1 is ABOVE the glucose ring
What are complex carbohydrates important for?
energy storage and structural support
What is a glycosidic linkage?
when a chain of monosaccharides form a polysaccharide molecule
What is polymerization?
the process of monomers linking together to form a larger molecule
Why are polysaccharides hydrophilic?
they are very polar
Why can’t polysaccharides dissolve in water?
they are too large of a molecule
