molecular biology Flashcards
What is metabolism?
metabolism is the totality of all chemical processes that occur within a living organism to maintain life.
What are organic compounds?
organic compounds are molecules that contain carbon and are found in living things.
What are the four main groups of biomacromolecules, and what are their monomer and polymers?
carbohydrates:
m=monosaccharide
p=polysaccharide
protein:
m=amino acid
p=polypertide
nucleic acid:
m=nuceotide
p=DNA/RNA
lipids are not composed of monomers, but can contain smaller subunits
triglyceride- subunits= glycerol and 3 fatty acids
What is anabolism?
give an example
anabolism is the synthesis of complex molecules into simpler ones. it involves condensation reactions. an example is photosynthesis
small to large
What is catabolism?
give an example
catabolism is the breakdown of complex molecules, into simpler ones. it involves hydrolysis. an example, is cellular respiration.
large to small
What is the theory of vitalism?
it was a doctrine that dictated that organic molecules could only be synthesized by living systems. living organisms were thought to have a ‘vital force’ that was required to manufacture organic molecules.
Why was the theory of vitalism disproved?
in 1828, Frederick Woehler disproved the theory, by artificially synthesizing an organic molecule. he did this by heating an inorganic salt (ammonium cyanate) under laboratory conditions, to produce urea (organic)
How does the structure of carbon atoms contribute to the formation of organic life?
it is due to carbons capacity to form four covalent bonds, this allows a diversity of stable compounds to exist.
What is a monomer?
atoms or small molecules that bond together, forming more complex structures.
What is the chemical formula for an unsaturated fatty acid?
CH3-(CH2)n-COOH
