Option B. Biochemistry Flashcards
What is metabolism?
Metabolism is the sum of all chemical reactions taking place in an organism.
What are metabolic pathways?
Methabolic pathways are the controlled sequences in which metabolic reactions occur.
What are metabolites?
Metabolites are all the compounds that take part in metabolism
What is anabolism?
Anabolism is the synthesis of biomolecules. Precursors form larger molecules by and endothermic reaction.
What is catabolism?
Catabolism is the break down of molecules to CO₂ and H₂O. Catabolism is an exothermic reaction.
What are condensation reactions?
The loss of H₂O and the formation of a convalent bond between monomers with 2 functional groups.
What are hydrolysis reactions?
The addition of H₂O breaks covalent bonds. The H₂O will split to -H and -OH and attach seperately to the product molecules.
What is photosynthesis?
Photosynthesis is an an anabolic series of redox reactions that allow green plants to synthesis energy-rich molecules
What is cell respiration?
Cell respiration is a metabolic series of redox reactions that breaks down energy-rich molecules to release energy.
What are proteins?
Macromolecules made up of chains of 2-amino acids.
What two functional groups are present in 2-amino acids?
- Carboxyl group
- Amino group
What are zwitterions
Zwitterions are dipolar ions, they have 2 different charges.
What is the isoelectric point?
The isoelectric point is the specific pH at which an amino acid is a zwitterion.
What happens to an amino acid in an acidic environment?
They behave as a base and will have a positive charge
What happens to an amino acid in a basic environment?
It will behave as an acid and will be negatively charged.
What is the primary structure of proteins?
The sequence of amino acids
What is the secondry structure of proteins?
Describes the way that a polypeptide folds itself due to intermolecular hydrogen bonding.
* a-helix: the chain is spiraled like a colied spring
* B-pleated sheet: folds itself as a flat sheet.
What is the tertiary structure of proteins?
Describes folding och the chain by interactions between distant amino acids to give the protein its 3-d shape.
* Hydrogen bonds
* London forces
* Ionic attractions
* Disulphide bridges
What is the quartenary structure of proteins?
Several polypeptides interacting to give a complex structure.
What are fibrous proteins?
Fibres such as keratin. They are structural components that are elongated muscles with mainly secondary structure. They are insoluble in water.
What are globular proteins?
Tools that operate at a molecular level, for example hemoglobin. They are compact spherical molecules with mainly tertiary structure. They are water soluble
What does chromatography do?
Seperates molecules based on their affinity for the mobile and the stationary phase. The molecules will move with the mobile speed at different speeds and therefore seperate.
What uses do proteins have in the body?
- Enzymes
- Structural proteins
- Hormones
- Antibodies
- Transport
- Energy
What does electrophoresis do?
Seperates amino acids based on charge. The amino acids will move differently based on how far away their isoelectric point is from the pH of the buffer. They either move towards a positive charge or a negative charge.