definitions Flashcards
Define Monomer
A molecule that can be bonded to other identical molecules to form a polymer; such as DNA, RNA, proteins and carbohydrates
Define polymer
A large molecule made of repeating smaller molecules called monomers
Define polymerisation
The process of joining monomers in a chemical reaction
Define a condensation reaction
A reaction which joins two molecules with the formation of a chemical bond and involves the elimination of a molecule of water
Define a hydrolysis reaction
A reaction which breaks a chemical bond between two molecules and involves the use of a water molecule
Define a glycosidic bond
A bond formed between two monosaccharides
Define a polar molecule
A molecule which has a partial positive charge in one part of the molecule and a complementary negative charge in another part
Define a Non-Polar molecule
A molecule in which the electrons are shared equally between the nuclei, so the distribution of charge is even and the force of attraction between different molecules is small
Define saturated
All the carbon atoms are linked with the maximum number of hydrogen atoms and there are no double carbon bonds
Define unsaturated
Molecules with one or more double carbon bonds
Define emulsion
A fine dispersion of minute droplets of one liquid in another in which it is not soluble or miscible
Define an amino group
-NH2 group which had an overall positive charge
Define a carboxyl group
-COOH group which has an overall negative charge
Define chromatography
A process which is used to separate mixtures
Define a dipeptide bond
A bond which Is formed between two amino acids
Define a polypeptide
A polymer consisting of amino acids joined together in a process of polymerisation
Define a prosthetic group
A non-protein group which form part of or is associated with a protein
Define activation energy (bio)
The energy required to bring about a reaction
Define enzyme
A globular protein that acts as a biological catalyst
Define active site
A specific region of the enzyme, made of a small number of amino acids
Define substrate
The molecule on which the enzyme acts
Define inhibitor
A substance that directly or indirectly interferes with the functioning of an enzymes active site
Define competitive inhibitor
An inhibitor which bonds to the active site of an enzyme
Define a non-competitive inhibitor
An inhibitor which binds to the enzyme at a different site
define metabolism
metabolism is the sum of all the chemical reactions that take place in a living organism
