Biochemistry Chapter Overview

The factor that is changed or manipulated by the experimenter (the cause)

The factor that is measured or observed in an experiment (the effect)

The group in an experiment that receives the treatment or change being tested

The group in an experiment that does not receive the treatment or change being tested

A testable prediction about the relationship between variables

A possible explanation for a phenomenon. It is a testable prediction that can be supported or rejected through experimentation.

A well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world that is supported by a large body of evidence. Theories can be modified or replaced as new evidence emerges.

An attractive force that holds atoms together by the sharing or transfer of electrons. This force is responsible for forming molecules and compounds.

A bond formed by the transfer of one or more electrons from one atom to another, resulting in an electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged ions. It is typically weaker compared to covalent bonds.

A bond formed by the sharing of one or more pairs of electrons between atoms. It is typically stronger and more prevalent than ionic bonds.

A single sugar molecule, like glucose, that can't be broken down into simpler sugars.

A chain of many sugar molecules linked together, like starch or cellulose.

A type of lipid that forms the main component of cell membranes.

The building blocks of proteins, each with a unique side chain.

The basic unit of nucleic acids like DNA and RNA. It's made up of a sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base.

The process by which living organisms convert light energy into chemical energy stored as glucose.

The process by which living organisms break down glucose to release energy in the form of ATP.

This type of respiration occurs in the presence of oxygen.

This type of respiration occurs in the absence of oxygen.

A type of anaerobic respiration that produces lactic acid as a byproduct.

A linear sequence of amino acids linked together by peptide bonds. It's like the alphabet of a protein, determining the order of the building blocks.

The 3D shape of a protein, formed by interactions between amino acid side chains. It's like the unique folded structure that allows a protein to do its job.

All the chemical reactions that occur within a living organism, including processes like building molecules and breaking them down. It's like the factory of life, constantly making and consuming substances.

A molecule that acts as a biological catalyst, speeding up chemical reactions without being used up in the process. It's like a tiny helper that makes reactions happen faster, making life possible.

The specific part of an enzyme where the substrate binds. It's like a docking station that helps the enzyme work on its target molecule.

A biological structure that regulates the movement of substances in and out of a cell. It's made up of a phospholipid bilayer with embedded proteins.

The cell membrane is a thin, flexible barrier that surrounds the cell, like a protective shell.

The ability to let some substances pass through while blocking others.

The fatty acid tails of the phospholipid bilayer are repelled by water, while the phosphate heads attract water.

Small molecules, like gases and hydrophobic (non-polar) substances, can easily cross the membrane. Large polar molecules and charged particles have difficulty passing through.

Tiny organelles responsible for protein synthesis. They read genetic instructions from mRNA to assemble amino acids into proteins.

Powerhouses of the cell! They break down glucose to produce ATP, the energy currency of cells.

A network of interconnected membranes within the cell. The rough ER has ribosomes attached, aiding in protein synthesis and modification. The smooth ER synthesizes lipids.

Small, membrane-bound sacs that store and transport materials within the cell. They are responsible for moving substances in and out of the cell.

Organelles that break down waste materials, old cell parts, and invading bacteria within the cell.

Movement of molecules from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration until equilibrium is reached. Doesn't require energy.

Movement of molecules across a membrane with the help of transport proteins. Doesn't require direct energy.

Movement of molecules against their concentration gradient, requiring energy. Moves from low to high concentration areas.

Movement of water molecules across a semi-permeable membrane from an area of high water concentration to an area of low water concentration.

The rule stating that adenine (A) pairs with thymine (T) and cytosine (C) pairs with guanine (G) in DNA. These pairs maintain the DNA structure and ensure accurate replication.

The process by which a cell copies its DNA before dividing, ensuring each daughter cell receives a complete genome.

The process by which a cell divides into two identical daughter cells. It includes mitosis (nuclear division) and cytokinesis (cytoplasm division).

The stage of the cell cycle where the cell grows, replicates its DNA (in the S phase), and prepares for division.

The most important sub-phase of interphase, during which DNA replication occurs.

This enzyme unwinds the DNA helix by breaking the hydrogen bonds between complementary bases, preparing DNA for replication.

The division of the cell's cytoplasm into two daughter cells, following the division of the nucleus during mitosis.

The stage of mitosis where replicated chromosomes line up along the center of the cell, attached to spindle fibers.

The stage of mitosis where chromosomes uncoil, the nuclear envelope reforms around each set of chromosomes, and the spindle fibers disappear.