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Biochemistry Flashcards

1
Q

What is the primary structure of a protein?

A

The sequence of amino acids in a polypeptide chain.

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2
Q

True or False: Enzymes are consumed in reactions.

A

False

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3
Q

Fill in the blank: The molecule that an enzyme acts on is called a _____ .

A

substrate

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4
Q

What is the role of ATP in cellular processes?

A

ATP serves as the primary energy currency of the cell.

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5
Q

What are the four main types of biomolecules?

A

Carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.

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6
Q

Which amino acid is known as the ‘start’ codon in protein synthesis?

A

Methionine

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7
Q

What is the function of ribosomes?

A

Ribosomes are responsible for protein synthesis.

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8
Q

True or False: Lipids are soluble in water.

A

False

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9
Q

What type of bond connects amino acids in a protein?

A

Peptide bond

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10
Q

What is glycolysis?

A

A metabolic pathway that converts glucose into pyruvate, producing ATP.

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11
Q

What is the end product of the citric acid cycle?

A

Carbon dioxide and electron carriers (NADH and FADH2).

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12
Q

Fill in the blank: The process of converting mRNA into a protein is called _____ .

A

translation

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13
Q

What is the function of the Golgi apparatus?

A

To modify, sort, and package proteins and lipids for secretion or delivery.

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14
Q

True or False: DNA is single-stranded.

A

False

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15
Q

What is the main function of carbohydrates in the body?

A

To provide energy.

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16
Q

What is the difference between saturated and unsaturated fats?

A

Saturated fats have no double bonds between carbon atoms, while unsaturated fats have one or more double bonds.

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17
Q

What is the role of enzymes in biochemical reactions?

A

Enzymes lower the activation energy required for reactions to occur.

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18
Q

Which vitamin is essential for blood clotting?

A

Vitamin K

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19
Q

Fill in the blank: The basic unit of life is the _____.

A

cell

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20
Q

What is the primary function of nucleic acids?

A

To store and transmit genetic information.

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21
Q

What are the building blocks of proteins?

A

Amino acids

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22
Q

True or False: All enzymes are proteins.

A

False

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23
Q

What is the function of the plasma membrane?

A

To protect the cell and regulate the movement of substances in and out.

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24
Q

What is an allosteric site?

A

A site on an enzyme where a molecule can bind, changing the enzyme’s activity.

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25
What is the primary energy carrier in cells?
ATP (adenosine triphosphate)
26
Fill in the blank: The process of copying DNA into RNA is called _____ .
transcription
27
What is the primary purpose of the Krebs cycle?
To produce energy carriers for the electron transport chain.
28
What is the main function of cholesterol in the cell membrane?
To maintain membrane fluidity and stability.
29
What are the two types of nucleic acids?
DNA and RNA
30
True or False: Glycogen is a polysaccharide that serves as energy storage in animals.
True
31
What is the role of tRNA in protein synthesis?
tRNA transports amino acids to the ribosome during translation.
32
What does the term 'denaturation' refer to in biochemistry?
The process of altering the structure of a protein, rendering it nonfunctional.
33
What is the significance of the pH scale in biochemistry?
It measures the acidity or basicity of a solution, affecting enzyme activity.
34
What is a competitive inhibitor?
A substance that competes with the substrate for the active site of an enzyme.
35
Fill in the blank: The primary function of insulin is to regulate _____ levels in the blood.
glucose
36
What is the role of the endoplasmic reticulum?
To synthesize proteins and lipids.
37
What are the two main types of lipids?
Triglycerides and phospholipids.
38
True or False: The function of hemoglobin is to transport oxygen in the blood.
True
39
What is the role of antioxidants in the body?
To neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress.
40
What is the primary function of the mitochondria?
To produce ATP through cellular respiration.
41
Fill in the blank: The genetic code is read in sets of three nucleotides called _____ .
codons
42
What type of reaction is involved in the formation of peptide bonds?
Dehydration synthesis
43
What are the major classes of enzymes based on their function?
Oxidoreductases, transferases, hydrolases, lyases, isomerases, and ligases.
44
What is the role of the cytoskeleton?
To provide structural support and shape to the cell.
45
True or False: All proteins have a quaternary structure.
False
46
What is the function of ligases?
To join two molecules together, typically with the use of ATP.
47
What is the role of the nucleolus?
To produce ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and assemble ribosome subunits.
48
Fill in the blank: The primary structural component of the cell membrane is the _____ bilayer.
phospholipid
49
What is the main function of the pancreas in digestion?
To produce digestive enzymes and bicarbonate to neutralize stomach acid.
50
What is the difference between DNA and RNA?
DNA is double-stranded and contains thymine, while RNA is single-stranded and contains uracil.
51
What is a noncompetitive inhibitor?
A substance that binds to an enzyme at a site other than the active site, reducing its activity.
52
What is the function of bile in digestion?
To emulsify fats, aiding in their digestion and absorption.
53
True or False: Phospholipids are amphipathic molecules.
True
54
What is the role of the peroxisome?
To break down fatty acids and detoxify harmful substances.
55
What is the primary function of the rough endoplasmic reticulum?
To synthesize and process proteins.
56
Fill in the blank: The main energy currency of the cell is _____ .
ATP
57
What is the significance of the active site of an enzyme?
It is the region where substrate molecules bind and undergo a chemical reaction.
58
What is the primary role of the small intestine in digestion?
To absorb nutrients from digested food.
59
True or False: All enzymes are specific to a single substrate.
False
60
What is the role of the large intestine?
To absorb water and electrolytes, and to form and store feces.
61
What is the difference between catabolic and anabolic reactions?
Catabolic reactions break down molecules for energy, while anabolic reactions build complex molecules from simpler ones.
62
Fill in the blank: The enzyme that synthesizes DNA is called _____ .
DNA polymerase
63
What is the role of the cell membrane?
To regulate the movement of substances in and out of the cell.
64
What is the function of the lysosome?
To digest waste materials and cellular debris.
65
True or False: RNA can act as both a genetic material and an enzyme.
True
66
What is the primary function of the circulatory system?
To transport nutrients, gases, hormones, and waste products throughout the body.
67
What is the role of the adrenal glands?
To produce hormones that regulate metabolism, immune response, and stress.
68
Fill in the blank: The main structural protein in connective tissues is _____ .
collagen
69
What is the role of hormones in the body?
Hormones are chemical messengers that regulate physiological processes.
70
What is the function of the thyroid gland?
To regulate metabolism and growth through hormone production.
71
True or False: Enzymes can function at a wide range of temperatures and pH levels.
False
72
What is the primary purpose of cellular respiration?
To convert biochemical energy from nutrients into ATP.
73
What is the role of the hypothalamus?
To regulate homeostasis and control the endocrine system.
74
Fill in the blank: The process of breaking down glucose in the absence of oxygen is called _____ .
fermentation
75
What is the function of the spleen?
To filter blood and help the immune system.
76
What is the main purpose of the immune system?
To protect the body against pathogens and diseases.
77
True or False: The liver plays a key role in detoxifying harmful substances.
True
78
What is the role of the kidneys?
To filter blood and produce urine.
79
What is the function of the gallbladder?
To store and concentrate bile.
80
Fill in the blank: The primary site of nutrient absorption in the digestive tract is the _____ .
small intestine
81
What is the difference between aerobic and anaerobic respiration?
Aerobic respiration requires oxygen, while anaerobic respiration does not.
82
What is the primary function of the skin?
To protect the body and regulate temperature.
83
True or False: The heart is a muscle that pumps blood throughout the body.
True
84
What is the role of the alveoli in the lungs?
To facilitate gas exchange between the air and blood.

MCAT (6 decks)

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