Topic 2: Molecular Biology Flashcards
What is molecular biology?
a field of study that focuses on investigating biological activity at a molecular level
Define metabolism
the totality of all enzyme catalysed reactions in a cell or organism
What are organic compounds?
compounds that contain carbon and is found in living things
How many bonds can carbon make?
4 covalent bonds
Define covalent bond
- a bond that involves the sharing of electron pairs between atoms
- strong bond as electron pairs are shared
what are the 4 most common compounds?
- carbon
- hydrogen
- nitrogen
- oxygen
What are the main classes of carbon compounds?
- carbohydrates
- lipids
- nucleic acids
- proteins
what are hydrogen bonds?
- a bond where water molecules bond together.
- positive in charge.
- weak bond
Define catabolism
the breakdown of complex molecules into simpler macromolecules. These reactions release energy and sometimes this energy is captured in the form of ATP.
Define anabolism
the synthesis of complex molecules (simple to complex). These reactions require energy, usually from ATP
Provide an example of catabolism
- glycolysis
- hydrolysis
Provide an example of anabolism
- gluconeogenesis
- condensation
Define polar
positive and negative charge due to equal sharing of electrons
Define non-polar
unequal sharing of electrons
Define an atom
a single particle of an element, consisting of a positively charged nucleus surrounded by negatively charged electrons
