Biochemistry Flashcards
What do organic molecules contain?
Both carbon and hydrogen atoms
Name the four classes of organic molecules?
- Carbohydrates
- Lipids
- Proteins
- Nucleic Acids
What is another name for organic molecules?
Biomolecules
How many electrons does the carbon atom have? And how many in each shell?
6 electrons
2 in the first shell
4 in the outer shell
How many covalent bonds can carbon form?
4 covalent bonds
What can carbon bond with?
- Carbon
- Nitrogen
- Hydrogen
- Oxygen
- Phosphorus
- Sulfur
What are covalent bonds?
Covalent bonds occur when atoms share one or more pairs of electrons
What are long chains of carbon called?
hydrocarbons
What is the carbon chain of an organic molecule called?
Its skeleton or backbone
What are functional groups?
Functional groups are clusters of specific atoms bonded to the carbon skeleton with characteristic structures and functions
What do functional groups determine?
The chemical reactivity and polarity of organic molecules
What are isomers?
Isomers are organic molecules that have identical molecular formulas but different arrangements of atoms.
What do biomolecules (organic molecules) usually consist of? Describe in further detail.
- Usually consist of many repeating units.
- Each unit is called monomer.
What is a molecule composed of monomers called?
Is called a polymer (many parts)
What is an example of a polymer?
Amino acids (monomer) joining together to form a protein (polymer)
Why are lipids not considered polymers?
Because they contain two different types of subunits
Name the monomer and polymer of carbohydrates
Monomer- Monosaccharide
Polymer- Polysaccharide
Name the monomer and polymer of lipids?
- Monomer Glycerol and fatty acids
- No polymer, trick question
Name the monomer and polymer of proteins
Monomer- Amino acids
Polymer- Polypeptide
Name the monomer and polymer of nucleic acids
Monomer- Nucleotide
Polymer- DNA, RNA
What is a dehydration reaction?
A chemical reaction in which subunits are joined together by the formation of a covalent bond and water is produced during the reaction
What is the purpose of a dehydration reaction? Name an example
- Used to connect monomers together to make polymers.
- Formation of starch (polymer) from glucose subunits (monomer)
What is a hydrolysis reaction?
Is a chemical reaction in which a water molecule is added to break a covalent bond.
What is the function of hydrolysis reactions? Name an example
- Used to break down polymers into monomers
- Digestion of starch into glucose monomers
