Topic 2.1: Molecules to Metabolism Flashcards
Metabolism
Web of all enzyme-catalysed reactions that occur within a particular organism.
Molecular biology
Explains the biological processes in terms of chemical substances involved.
Organic compounds
Molecules that contain carbon and are found in living things.
Exceptions of organic compounds (4)
a) Carbonates (CO3)
b) Carbides (CaC2)
c) Carbon oxides (CO2)
d) Cyanides (CN)
Capacity of carbon compounds
4 covalent bonds
Biomacromolecules (4)
a) Carbohydrates
b) Lipids
c) Proteins
d) Nucleic acids
Carbohydrates
a) Composed of (CH2O)n
b) Source of energy
c) Short-term energy storage
d) Recognition molecule and structural component
Lipids
a) Non-polar, hydrophobic molecules
b) Long-term energy storage
c) Cell membrane
Nucleic acids
a) Genetic material of all cells and determines the inherited features of an organism
b) DNA functions as a master code for protein assembly.
Proteins
a) Make over 50% of the dry weight of cells; are composed of CHONS.
b) Enzymatic activity
c) Structural molecules.
Monomers of macromolecules
a) Monosaccharide
b) Nucleotide
c) Amino acid
d) Fatty acid / Glycerol
Polymers of macromolecules
a) Polysaccharide
b) DNA / RNA
c) Polypeptide
d) Triglyceride
Anabolism
a) Synthesis of complex molecules from simpler ones
b) Condensation reactions
c) Requires energy
Catabolism
a) Breakdown of complex molecules into simpler ones.
b) Hydrolysis reactions
c) Releases energy
Structure of ribose
a) Up
b) Down
c) Down
d) Up (HOCH2)
