Unlock the complexities of biochemistry with these comprehensive Unit 3 notes, perfect for mastering the essentials of chemical reactions, macromolecules, enzymes, and cell transport. Dive into detailed explanations of foundational terms like monomers, polymers, dehydration synthesis, and hydrolysi...
Terms and Definitions:
Chemical reactions: the process of breaking and rebuilding molecular bonds to rearrange molecules
Covalent bonds: a type of bond formed by the sharing of electrons between atoms
Atoms: the basic unit of a chemical element
Molecules: a group of atoms bonded together, representing the smallest fundamental unit of a chemical
compound that can take part in a chemical reaction
Monomer/building block: single unit
Dimer: 2 monomers bonded together
Polymer: at least 3 monomers bonded together (usually repeated in a chain)
Dehydration Synthesis: bonds together 2 molecules by removes water from the solution (removing H
from one and HO from the other)
Hydrolysis: Breaks a molecule bond by adding water to the solution (adds H from one and HO to the
other)
Catalysts: substances that speed up chemical reactions but don’t change in the process
Denature: when an enzyme gets damaged/broken down and becomes inactive
Optimal temperature: the temperature range in which the enzyme works best in
Activation energy: the required energy to start a chemical reaction
Enzyme-substrate complex: where the enzyme and the substrate is bonded together
Enzyme-product complex: where the enzyme and the product is bonded together
Endothermic reactions: energy absorbing reactions (net increase)
Exothermic reactions: energy releasing reactions (net decrease)
Polarity: the unequal sharing of electrons within a molecule (elements can attract more/less than their ‘fair
share’ of electrons
Polar: unevenly distributed electrical charge
Nonpolar: evenly distributed electrical charge
Polar covalent bonds: unequal electron bonds
Cohesion: water’s ability to stick to itself
Adhesion: water’s ability to stick to other substances
Phospholipid bilayer: a barrier where hydrophilic heads are facing outward and hydrophobic tails are
facing inward
Surface tension: due to hydrogen bonding, there is a this film on the surface of the liquid that gives
resistance
Cell membrane: a semipermeable membrane that regulates what enters/exits the cell to maintain
homeostasis
Homeostasis: internal balance within an organism/cell
Passive transport: the transportation of molecules without energy
Concentration gradient: the ratio of solutes to solvents
Solute: substances that dissolve in a liquid
, Solvent: substances that dissolve solutes
Hypertonic: higher solute concentration (in comparison)
Hypotonic: lower solute concentration (in comparison)
Isotonic: equal solute concentration (in comparison)
Diffusion: the movement of molecules via the concentration gradient
Osmosis: the movement of water through semipermeable membranes
Simple diffusion: the diffusion molecules through a semipermeable membrane without assistance
Facilitated diffusion: the diffusion of molecules through a selectively permeable membrane via protein
channels
Active transport: the diffusion of molecules through a selectively permeable membrane requiring energy
Type of Macromolecule Carbohydrates Lipids Proteins Nucleic acids
Purpose/Function Energy Waxy covering on plants Building blocks for Stores genetic info
Structural support Pigments cells Contains all
Steroids Does work in cells instructions for
cells
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