The Chemistry of Life Flashcards
Structure and function of proteins
Proteins are made of amino acids which are folded due to hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic/hydrophilic R groups into alpha helices and beta sheets.
Functions: enzymes, transport, structure, defense, hormones, motion
Structure and function of carbohydrates
Carbohydrates have the general chemical formula of CH₂O (more accurately Cm(H₂O)n).
Functions: structure, energy
Structure and function of lipids
Lipids can be fats, oils, phospholipids, waxes, or steroids. They are usually composed primarily of fatty acids, which have a hydrocarbon chain with a carboxyl group at the end.
Functions: insulation, structural, hormone
Structure and function of nucleic acids
Nucleic acids are composed of nucleotides, which are made up of a phosphate group, a sugar (ribose/deoxyribose), and a nitrogenous base. DNA is a double helix and RNA a single
Function - genetic information storage
What is the difference between an organic and inorganic compound?
Organic compounds contain carbon bonded to hydrogen.
Define hydrolysis and dehydration synthesis.
Hydrolysis is the breaking apart of a polymer with a water molecule. Example: Glucose C₆H₁₂O₆ + Fructose C₆H₁₂O₆ are formed from Sucrose C₁₂H₂₂O₁₁ + Water H₂O.
Dehydration synthesis is the bonding of two molecules by taking out an H₂O molecule. Example: H₂NCHRCOOH + H₂NCHR’COOH yields H₂NCHROCNHCHR’COOH + H₂O. An OH from the COOH and an H from the H₂N are removed to form H₂O.
Describe the function of enzymes
Enzymes are organic catalysts (mostly proteins, sometimes RNA). They lower the activation energy of chemical reactions. They rely on their folding and partial charges to do so.
List and briefly describe the structures of the digestive system and their functions.
Mouth, salivary glands, pharynx, tongue, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine (ascending, transverse, descending, sigmoid), rectum, anus. NOTE: needs functions.
