Biochemistry Basics Quiz

Study Notes

Biochemistry Basics

Biochemistry is the study of chemical processes within and relating to living organisms.
It focuses on the structure, function, and interactions of biomolecules like proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids.
Central to biochemistry is the understanding of metabolic pathways, which are series of enzyme-catalyzed reactions that build and break down molecules.

Biomolecules

Proteins: Composed of amino acids; crucial for structural support, catalysis (enzymes), transport, and signaling.
- Amino acid structure: Contains an amino group, carboxyl group, side chain (R group).
- Protein structure: Primary, secondary (alpha-helices, beta-sheets), tertiary, quaternary.
Carbohydrates: Provide energy and structural support.
- Simple sugars (monosaccharides): e.g., glucose, fructose.
- Disaccharides: e.g., sucrose, lactose.
- Polysaccharides: e.g., starch, glycogen, cellulose.
Lipids: Diverse group of hydrophobic molecules, including fats, phospholipids, and steroids.
- Fats: Energy storage, insulation.
- Phospholipids: Major components of cell membranes.
- Steroids: e.g., cholesterol, hormones.
Nucleic acids: DNA and RNA; carry genetic information.
- DNA: Double helix structure, carries genetic code.
- RNA: Single-stranded, crucial in protein synthesis.

Metabolism

Catabolism: Breakdown of complex molecules into simpler ones, releasing energy.
Anabolism: Building of complex molecules from simpler ones, requiring energy.
Cellular respiration: Key catabolic pathway, using glucose to produce ATP (energy currency).
Glycolysis: Initial step in respiration, breaking down glucose.
Krebs cycle (Citric Acid Cycle): Further breakdown of intermediates.
Oxidative phosphorylation: Major ATP production via electron transport chain.
Photosynthesis: Anabolic process, converting light energy into chemical energy (glucose).

Enzymes

Biological catalysts, speeding up reactions without being consumed.
Active site: Region where the substrate binds.
Factors affecting enzyme activity: Temperature, pH, substrate concentration.
Enzyme specificity: Enzymes typically bind to specific substrates.
Enzyme inhibition: Competitive and non-competitive inhibition.

Protein Structure and Function

Primary structure: Sequence of amino acids.
Secondary structure: Alpha-helices and beta-sheets.
Tertiary structure: Three-dimensional folding of the polypeptide chain.
Quaternary structure: Multiple polypeptide chains interacting.
Protein folding: Crucial for function.
Protein denaturation: Loss of structure and function due to external factors (heat, pH).

Nucleic Acids Structure

DNA structure: Double helix with base pairing (A-T, G-C).
RNA structure: Single-stranded, can fold into diverse shapes.
DNA replication: Copying of DNA.
Transcription: Synthesis of RNA from DNA.
Translation: Synthesis of proteins from mRNA.
Gene expression: Regulation of gene activity.

Cell Signaling

Communication between cells and within cells.
Signaling pathways: Networks of proteins involved in transmitting signals.
Receptors: Proteins that bind signaling molecules.
Second messengers: Molecules involved in relaying signals within the cell.

Key Concepts

Thermodynamics: Energy transformations in biological systems.
Laws of thermodynamics: Energy conservation and entropy increase.
Gibbs free energy: Measures spontaneity of reactions.

Description

Test your knowledge on the fundamentals of biochemistry, focusing on biomolecules such as proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids. This quiz covers their structures, functions, and the importance of metabolic pathways in living organisms.