Biochemistry I Introduction

The study of chemical processes within and relating to living organisms.

Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions without being consumed in the process.

The proteasome is a large protein complex that breaks down damaged or unneeded proteins in cells.

This refers to the process of learning and improving through feedback and reflection.

Feedback is valuable as it helps instructors adjust their teaching methods and improve student understanding.

The ability of a molecule to fold into a specific shape based on interactions between its parts.

The process where monomers (building blocks) join together to form larger molecules, often catalyzed by enzymes.

The process by which a folded molecule returns to its original shape after being unfolded.

The ability of a molecule to make copies of itself, often through a template-driven process.

A barrier that separates the inside of a cell from the outside environment.

The concentration (amount) of a substance in a particular area.

The theory that life on Earth originated from simple organic molecules that were formed in the early atmosphere by lightning strikes.

The idea that molecules within a cell are close together and can easily interact.

A hypothetical period in early Earth's history where RNA was the primary form of genetic material.

A mixture of gases that are believed to have been present in the early Earth's atmosphere.

Molecules that are essential for life and are typically built from carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur.

Chemical groups that give molecules particular properties and functions.

It's also a theory that life originated from simple organic molecules formed in underwater volcanic vents through a mix of hot water and chemicals.

This theory suggests that organic molecules were brought to Earth from space, possibly by meteorites.

A process that transforms molecules, often through chemical reactions, into more complex forms.

The environment of early Earth is thought to have been lacking in free oxygen, which is crucial for life.

The ability of molecules to interact with each other due to their specific arrangement and reactivity.

The internal structure of a molecule is determined by the way its components interact with each other, forming its specific shape.

The addition of monomers to a pre-existing chain of molecules, typically facilitated by enzymes, leading to the growth of the chain.

Enzymes accelerate chemical reactions, including the formation of biopolymers, by lowering activation energy and providing a specific environment for the reaction.

The study of how energy is transferred and transformed in biological systems.

The first law of thermodynamics states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transferred or transformed. The second law states that the entropy (disorder) of a system always increases over time.

The process by which molecules like proteins fold into specific shapes based on their amino acid sequence.

A process that involves a protein binding to a specific molecule and changing its activity.

Proteins that catalyze (speed up) biochemical reactions within cells.

The movement of molecules across cell membranes, often against a concentration gradient, requiring energy.

The study of the origin and evolution of life.

A type of biological molecule that stores and transmits genetic information.

The basic building blocks of proteins, linked together to form polypeptide chains.

The molecule of life, responsible for carrying genetic information from generation to generation.

Evolution does not have a predetermined goal. The process of natural selection does not aim to create specific organisms, including humans.

Genetic variation within a population allows for adaptation to changing environmental conditions. Individuals with traits better suited to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing on their genes.

Natural selection favors traits that increase an organism's chances of survival and reproduction in its environment. This leads to the gradual accumulation of advantageous traits across generations.

Evolutionary processes are driven by past events. Complex structures develop through gradual modifications of simpler structures over many generations.

Evolutionary changes happen over long periods. They occur gradually due to mutations and environmental pressure, resulting in significant changes over time.

Evolution does not occur at a constant rate. Some periods have rapid evolutionary changes, while others are relatively static.

The environment plays a critical role in shaping evolution. Changes in the environment can lead to the selection of different traits, driving evolutionary change.

Evolution is a continuous process. It is constantly happening, with new adaptations emerging in response to changing conditions.