Molecular Biology Flashcards
Molecular Biology
The field of biology that studies the composition, structure and interactions of cellular molecules such as water, proteins and nucleic acids
What are the most commonly occurring elements in humans?
Oxygen, Carbon and Hydrogen
Why can carbon atoms have complex structures?
Because they can form covalent bonds with 4 other atoms
Polymerisation definition?
The process by which small molecules (monomers), combine to form larger molecules called polymers
Condensation definition?
The process by which water becomes liquid
Hydrolysis definition?
The chemical breakdown of a compound due to a reaction with water, going from a large molecule to a small molecule (using water to split something apart)
Metabolism definition?
The chemical reaction in the body’s cells that changes food into energy
(enzyme - catalysed reactions)
Anabolism definition?
The mechanism that takes smaller units like nutrients or cells and bonds them together to create bigger structures (creating a polymer)
Catabolism definition?
Is the part of the metabolism process which breaks down, large complicated molecules into smaller ones, therefore the opposite of anabolism (breaking down a polymer)
Monosaccharide definition?
Are simple sugars like glucose
(CH2O)n
General formula for monosaccharides
Function of monosaccharides?
A common source of energy in respiration due to a high number of carbon - hydrogen bonds
Building blocks for larger molecules such as polysaccharides and other molecules such as RNA/DNA and ATP
Disaccharide function?
Made from two monosaccharides
Formed by the removal of one water molecule (a condensation reaction). When monosaccharides join, a molecule of water is removed (condensation)
This is called a glycosidic bond
Hydrolysis Reaction?
When polysaccharides are broken into disaccharides and then monosaccharides, a molecule of water is added.This is called a hydrolysis reaction
The glycosidic bond is broken
Polysaccharides structure?
They are made from polymers.Combined monosaccharides in condensation reactions
Glycosidic bonds form long chains of monosaccharides
Very large (thousands of monomers) and therefore insoluble. Suitable for storage or structure.
Can be hydrolysed into disaccharides and monosaccharides
