Biochemistry Flashcards
What is biochemistry
It is the study between two fields. Biology—the study of cells and organisms. Chemistry—the study of atoms and molecules
What do biocehmists do?
- Studies the properties and interactions of biologically important molecules.
- Understanding the physical and chemical principles of these molecules is essential to understanding their functions in the cell and in other living systems.
What are the five main foundation of life?
Phosphorus, Hydrogen, Oxygen, Nitrogen, Carbon
Define Organic Molecules
- carbon-based
Carbon atoms usually bonded to each other and to hydrogen
What are Intramolecular forces
The forces that hold atoms together within a molecule (intra-within)
How does a molecule acquire polar molecules
When one atom takes on a partially positive charge (S+) and other becomes partially negative (S-)
How does a molecule acquire non-polar
When atoms have similar electronegativities the electrons are shared equally.
What are intermolecular forces
The forces between molecules (inter—between)
Is intermolecular forces stronger of weaker than intramolecular forces?
Weaker for break and repair (need more info)
What are the important intermolecular interactions for biological systems?
Hydrogen binding and hydrophobic interactions
Define hydrogen bonding
A bond between an atom with a partially positive negative charge and a hydrogen atom with a partial positive charge
Give an example of hydrogen bonding
The bonding of water molecules (H to O of another molecule)
How is hydrogen bonding weaker
Weaker than an ionic or covalent bond, but many hydrogen bonds together csn be very strong ( more info )
What can hydrogen bonds maintain in
Hydrogen bonds between molecules in cells help maintain the proper structure and function of the molecules
Give an example of how hydrogen bonding maintain
The 3D shape of DNA is maintained by several hydrogen bonds
True or false non polar molecules form hydrogen bonds
False
What happens when nonpolar and polar mix
non polar molecules tend to clump together and stay away from the polar molecules
Are non polar molecules h-philic or h-phobic
hydrophobic
Are polar molecules h-philic or h-phobic
hydrophilic
What is the hydrophobic effect
plays a role in how cell membranes form and helps determine the 3D shape of biological molecules such as proteins
