Microbiology > Chemistry & Biochemistry > Flashcards

Chemistry & Biochemistry Flashcards

(49 cards)

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1
Q

Define polar and non-polar molecules

A

Polar molecules have uneven distribution of charge, while non-polar molecules have an even distribution of charge.

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2
Q

What is a hydrogen bond?

A

A weak attraction between polar/charged molecules, typically involving a polar hydrogen atom.

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3
Q

What is an ionic bond?

A

A bond formed when reacting atoms gain or lose electrons, resulting in oppositely charged ions attracting each other.

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4
Q

Define covalent bond.

A

A bond formed by the sharing of electrons between atoms.

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5
Q

What does hydrophobic mean?

A

Substances that do not interact well with water.

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6
Q

What does hydrophilic mean?

A

Substances that interact well with water.

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7
Q

What is a buffer?

A

A substance that can act as both a proton donor and acceptor, helping to maintain pH homeostasis.

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8
Q

What is pH?

A

A measurement of the hydrogen ion concentration, calculated as -log[H+].

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9
Q

Identify the common elements in living organisms represented by CHNOPS.

A
  • Carbon
  • Hydrogen
  • Nitrogen
  • Oxygen
  • Phosphorus
  • Sulfur
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10
Q

What are isotopes?

A

Atoms of the same element that have more neutrons, making them heavier and often unstable.

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11
Q

What is dehydration synthesis?

A

A reaction that builds polymers from monomers, releasing water and requiring energy and a catalytic enzyme.

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12
Q

What is hydrolysis?

A

A reaction that breaks down polymers to monomers, requiring water and releasing energy.

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13
Q

What is the role of functional groups in organic molecules?

A

Functional groups are reactive parts of molecules that determine their chemical properties.

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14
Q

True or False: Acidic salts are proton donors that decrease pH.

A

True

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15
Q

Fill in the blank: The pH scale ranges from ______ to ______.

A

0 to 14

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16
Q

What are the main characteristics of biological macromolecules?

A
  • Functional groups
  • Polarity & Solubility
  • Covalent bonds & stored potential energy
  • Size, structure, & stability
  • Sensitivity to environmental factors
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17
Q

What does ‘structure is related to function’ mean?

A

The specific arrangement of a molecule determines its biological activity and role.

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18
Q

Define monosaccharide.

A

The simplest form of carbohydrates, consisting of a single sugar unit.

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19
Q

What are the components of an amino acid?

A
  • Amino group (-NH2)
  • Carboxyl group (-COOH)
  • Hydrogen atom
  • R group (side chain)
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20
Q

What is the significance of the Periodic Table?

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A

It organizes elements based on atomic number and properties.

21
Q

What is an example of a hydrophobic association?

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A

Non-polar molecules clustering together to avoid water.

22
Q

What is the atomic mass?

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A

The sum of protons and neutrons in an atom.

23
Q

What is the role of energy in dehydration synthesis?

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A

Energy is required to form new bonds during the reaction.

24
Q

Fill in the blank: The polar covalent molecules are ______, while non-polar molecules are ______.

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A

hydrophilic; hydrophobic

25
What is the difference between OH- and R-OH?
OH- is a basic ion (hydroxide), while R-OH is a polar functional group (hydroxyl).
26
What are the basic components of carbohydrates?
CHO (1:2:1) ## Footnote Carbohydrates consist of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen in a ratio of 1:2:1.
27
What are examples of monosaccharides?
* Glucose * Fructose * Galactose * Ribose ## Footnote Monosaccharides are simple sugars that serve as the building blocks of carbohydrates.
28
What are the three types of disaccharides?
* Maltose * Sucrose * Lactose ## Footnote Disaccharides are formed from two monosaccharides.
29
What are examples of polysaccharides?
* Glycogen * Starch * Amylose ## Footnote Polysaccharides are complex carbohydrates composed of long chains of monosaccharides.
30
What is the linkage type in carbohydrates?
Glycosidic ## Footnote Glycosidic bonds link monosaccharides to form disaccharides and polysaccharides.
31
What are the main functions of carbohydrates?
* Energy - short & medium-term * Structure * Support (e.g. cell walls) ## Footnote Carbohydrates serve as a primary energy source and provide structural support in cells.
32
What is the general formula for lipids?
CHO (mostly HCS) ## Footnote Lipids primarily consist of carbon, hydrogen, and a small amount of oxygen.
33
What is the structure of phospholipids?
Amphipathic - membrane bilayer ## Footnote Phospholipids have hydrophilic heads and hydrophobic tails, forming a bilayer in cell membranes.
34
What are examples of fatty acids?
* Oleic acid * Linoleic acid * Palmitic acid ## Footnote Fatty acids are key components of lipids and can be saturated or unsaturated.
35
What are the main functions of lipids?
* Energy - long-term * Insulation * Waterproofing ## Footnote Lipids store energy, provide insulation, and protect against water loss.
36
What are the basic building blocks of proteins?
Amino acids ## Footnote Proteins are made up of 20 different amino acids, which determine their structure and function.
37
What are the four levels of protein structure?
* Primary * Secondary * Tertiary * Quaternary ## Footnote The structure of proteins is determined by the amino acid sequence and how they fold.
38
What are the components of nucleic acids?
CHONP ## Footnote Nucleic acids consist of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and phosphorus.
39
What is a nucleotide composed of?
* Phosphate group * Ribose/deoxyribose * Purine or pyrimidine base ## Footnote Nucleotides are the building blocks of nucleic acids like DNA and RNA.
40
What is the function of ATP?
Instant Energy ## Footnote ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate) is a key energy carrier in biological systems.
41
What are the roles of proteins in biological systems?
* Enzymes * Transport * Structure * Hormones * Immunity ## Footnote Proteins perform a wide range of functions, including catalyzing reactions and providing structural support.
42
True or False: DNA is a single-stranded molecule.
False ## Footnote DNA is a double-stranded molecule, forming a double helix structure.
43
Fill in the blank: The bond that links nucleotides in nucleic acids is called __________.
Phosphodiester ## Footnote Phosphodiester bonds connect the phosphate group of one nucleotide to the sugar of another.
44
Are all prokaryotes microorganisms?
Yes
45
What do prokaryotes include?
Bacteria and archaea
46
Are all eukaryotes microorganisms?
Only some Primarily algae, Protozoa, molds and yeasts and some worm and arthropods
47
Viruses are considered _ type of microbe
1
48
Are viruses cells?
No
49
What are viruses wrapped in
Protein and consist of hereditary material
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