Biochemistry Basics Summary

Question 1

what is thermodynamics?

Answer 1

study of the energetics of chemical reactions

Question 2

Do spontaneous reactions increase or decrease the disorder of the universe?

Answer 2

increase

Question 3

What does a negative deltaS mean? What does a positive deltaS mean?

Answer 3

negative = system lost entropy
positive = system gained energy

Question 4

Are spontaneous reactions endergonic or exergonic?

Answer 4

exergonic

Question 5

Are nonspontaneous reactions endergonic or exergonic?

Answer 5

endergonic

Question 6

What type of reaction has a deltaS >0 and a deltaH = 0?

Answer 6

spontaneous reaction

Question 7

What deltaG implies equilibrium?

Answer 7

deltaG = 0

Question 8

What is Ka?

Answer 8

acid-ionization constant. the larger the value, the stronger the acid

Question 9

What is Keq?

Answer 9

equilbrium expression

Question 10

What is Kb?

Answer 10

base-ionization constant. the larger the value, the stronger the base.

Question 11

What is the most important buffer system in our body?

Answer 11

blood plasma with bicarbonate and carbonic acid