Topic 2.1 Molecules to Metabolism Flashcards
The definition of molecular biology
Explains living processes in terms of the structures and functions of the chemicals involved, it is a reductionist approach
What helped disprove vitalism?
The artificial synthesis of urea
Why are carbon compounds important?
They have up to four bonds, and they are covalent bonds which are the most stable and strongest, and they can form single or double bonds
Which are the four main types of biomolecules?
Carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids
What are carbohydrates composed of?
Carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. 2:1 ratio of hydrogens to oxygen
What is alpha glucose?
It has a dow down, up down order of the hydroxide groups. It’s a six-pointed ring.
What is beta glucose?
It has up-down, up-down, order of the hydroxide groups. It’s a six-pointed ring.
What is ribose?
It is a 5 pointed ring.
What are lipids?
They are molecules insoluble in water, for example, steroids, waxes, fatty acids, and triglycerides.
What are proteins composed of?
Amino acid, carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and sometimes sulfur.
What is a nucleic acid?
Chains of subunits called nucleotides are made of a ribose sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogen base, and they have carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and phosphate.
What is anabolism?
The synthesis of complex biomolecules, from their monomer subunits. They recure ATP, and it is through a condensation reaction.
What is catabolism?
It is the breakdown of complex biomolecules into their monomers through hydrolysis, and it releases energy.
