Chemical Foundations Flashcards
Define Reduction
The gain of electrons during a chemical reaction
Define Oxidation
The loss of electrons during a chemical reaction
Define Exchange Reactions
A chemical reaction involving both decomposition and synthesis processes
Catabolism, aka
Decomposition reaction, aka
Define Decomposition Reaction
A chemical reaction wherein larger molecules split up into smaller particles
Anabolism, aka
Synthesis reaction, aka
Define Synthesis Reaction
A chemical reaction wherein two or more particles combine to form a larger molecule
What is an enzyme?
a protein catalyst found in living organisms
How can a chemical reaction be sped up?
an increase in temperature, an increase in the reactant concentration, or by introducing a catalyst
What is the role of a catalyst?
decreases the activation energy needed to proceed with a reaction, and is present at the beginning of a reaction but remains unchanged once completed
What are the two single ring nucleotide bases?
Thymine & cytosine
What are the two double ring nucleotide bases?
Adenine & guanine
Define Energy
The capacity to do work
What are single ring nucleotide bases called?
Pyrimidines
What are double ring nucleotide bases called?
Purines
What happens if the body is in a state of Alkalosis?
blood pH levels are too high
What happens if the body is in a state of Acidosis?
blood pH levels are too low
What is the role of a Buffer?
To convert strong acids or bases into weak ones
Which vitamins are fat soluble and hydrophobic?
Vitamins A, D, E, K
Describe the role of each of these vitamins: A, D, E, K
Vitamin A used to make visual pigments in the eye
Vitamin D used in bone growth & repairs, and to regulate the body’s calcium levels
Vitamin E used to promote healing, prevent scarring, and contribute to nervous system function
Vitamin K is required for synthesis of blood-clotting proteins
What is the molecular structure of a triglyceride?
one glycerol molecule head and three fatty acids chains
What is the difference between the carbon chain of a saturated and an unsaturated fatty acid?
a saturated fatty acid has only single covalent bonds between the carbons of the chain, and an unsaturated fatty acid has at least one double covalent
What is the molecular structure of a phospholipid?
one glycerol molecule head, two fatty acid chain tails, and one phosphate group
What molecular structure is common to all steroids?
four carbon rings
What components are common to all nucleotides?
A nitrogenous base, a pentose sugar, and a phosphate group
Which molecule is the building block for all other steroids?
cholesterol
Define substrate
a reactant molecule to which only a particular enzyme will bind
What is an active site?
The part of the enzyme where the substrate fits
Give two examples of contractile proteins that allow the shortening of muscle cells (i.e. movement).
myosin and actin
Give two examples of structural proteins that form the structural framework for various parts of the body.
collagen and keratin
Give an example of an Immunological protein which aids in immune responses.
an antibody
Give an example of a Regulatory protein which functions to regulate processes within the body.
A hormone
Give an example of a Transport protein which carries vital gases throughout the body.
Hemoglobin