Intro to Biochemistry Flashcards by Ashley Van Wieren

Biochemistry: the basis of all life is…

The chemical reactions that take place within the cell

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Chemistry allows for/

Living matter is characterized by:

Complexity and organization
Use of energy to do work
Dynamic and coordinated 
Sense and respond to changes in surroundings 
Self replication allowing evolution

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The Central “Dogma” of Molecular Biolofy

Transcription of DNA to RNA, translation of RNA on ribosome to make polypeptide chain
Folding is polypeptide chain (protein)

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Biochemistry

Structure and function of biological molecules

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Living organisms are

Open systems 
(Exchange matter and energy with their surroundings)

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Organisms exist

In a dynamic and steady state

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_______ allows living organisms to transform matter into energy

Energy coupling

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______ reduce energy requirement for reactions while offering specificity

Biological catalysts

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The cell theory of life

1800s
Living organisms are 1+ cells
Cell basic unit of life, rises from Pre-existing cells

Modern day additions
Energy flow occurs within cells
Cells contain dna
All cells have the same basic chemical composition but can contain unique components

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Three distinct domains of life

Bacteria
Archaea
Eukarya

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Eukaryote cells

Membrane bound nucleus

Membrane enclosed organelles

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Animal cells

Ribosomes
Peroxisome
Cytoskeleton
Lysosome
Transport vesicle
Golgi complex
Smooth ER
Nucleolus
Nucleus 
Rough ER
Mitochondrion 
Plasma membrane, nuclear envelope

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Ribosomes

Protein synthesis

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Peroxisome

Oxidates fatty acids (breaks down)

Contain oxidative enzymes that help detoxify the cell

Sometimes produces H2O2

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Cytoskeleton

Supports cell, aids in movement of organelles

Cellular shape and division

Intracellular organization and transport paths

Cellular mobility

Consists of microtubules
Actin filaments
Intermediate filaments

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Lysosome

Degrades intracellular debris

Acidic, containing degradative enzymes

Digest waste materials and recycle into simple molecules and put haven into cytoplasm

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Transport vesicle

Shuttles lipids and proteins between ER, Golgi, and plasma membrane

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Golgi complex/apparatus

Processes, packages, and targets proteins to other organelles or for export

Cup shaped sacs

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Smooth endoplasmic reticulum

Site of lipid and carbohydrate synthesis synthesis and drug metabolism

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Nucleus

Contains the genes (chromatin)

Also contains nucleolus

Nucleolus

Site of ribosomal RNA synthesis and assembly

Rough ER

Site of much protein synthesis

Flattened sacs and tubules

Covered with ribosomes

Mitochondrion

Oxidizes fuels and produces ATP

Site of cellular respiration, converting O2 and nutrients into ATL

Plasma membrane

separates cell from environment, regulates movement of materials into and out of the cell

Nuclear envelope

Segregated chromatin (DNA + protein) from cytoplasm Double layer membrane Contains nuclear pores Attached to ER

Cytosol

Very crowded Parted if the cytoplasm tang is not held by any of the organelles in the cell Highly viscous, many reactions take place here

30 elements essential for life

Other than C, CHONPS are most common

The major classes of bio molecules

Proteins Lipids Carbohydrates Nucleus acids

Geometric isomers (cis vs trans)

Have different physical and chemical properties

Stereoisomers

Have different physical properties

Enantiomers (mirror image)

Have identical physical properties (except with regard to polarized light) and react identically with archiral reagents

Diastereomers

Have different physical and chemical properties

If delta G is negative

Reaction is spontaneous (occurs without additional energy)

How to speed reactions up

Higher temps Higher concentrations of reactants Changing the reaction by coupling to a fast one Lower activation barrier by catalysts

Endgonic

Requires energy

Exergonic

Releases energy

Energy coupling

Chemical coupling of exergonic and endergonic reactions allows otherwise unfavorable reactions

Catalysis

A catalyst is a compound that increases the rate of a chemical reaction Lower activation free energy delta G plus plus Catalysts first night alter delta G

Enzymatic catalysis offers

Acceleration under mild conditions High specificity Possibility for regulation

La Catelelier’s Principle

A+B C + D Reversible reaction Change in concentration can affect the equilibrium of a system

Metabolic pathway

Produces energy or valuable materials

Signal transduction pathway

Transmits information

Life on earth arose

3.5-4.3 billion years ago

Evolution

Change in heritable traits of populations of biological organisms over successive generations and is driven by natural selection

Natural selection

Survival of individuals of a population due to differences in phenotypes

“Nothing in biology makes sense except in the light of evolution”

Dobzhansky

Biochemical experimental support for early steps necessary for origin of life

Miller and Urey Experiments demonstrating abiotic formation of organic compounds under primitive atmospheric conditions

Origin of life Theory: RNA World?

RNA can act as both the information carrier and bio catalyst