Biochemistry Chapter 1

The time period between the formation of the earth (4.6 billion years ago) and the appearance of living organisms at least 3.5 billion years ago.

A compound that contains the element carbon

A portion of a molecule that participates in interactions with other substances. Common functional groups in biochemistry are acyl, amido, amino, carbonyl, diphosphoryl (pyrophosphoryl), ester, ether, hydroxyl, imino, phosphoryl, and sulfhydryl groups.

bonding arrangements

A molecule consisting of numerous smaller units that are linked together in an organized manner. Polymers may be linear or branched and may consist of one or more kinds of structural units (monomers).

The formation of a covalent bond between two molecules, during which the elements of water are lost; the reverse of hydrolysis.

The cleavage of a covalent bond accomplished by adding the elements of water; the reverse of a condensation.

(1) A structural unit from which a polymer is built up. (2) A single subunit or protomer of a multisubunit protein

The process of making an identical copy of a DNA molecule. During DNA replication the parental polynucleotide strands separate so that each can direct the synthesis of of a complementary daughter strand, resulting in two complete DNA helices.

The evolutionary process by which the continued existence of of a replicating entity depends on its ability to survive and reproduce under the existing conditions.

A fluid filled sac enclosed by a membrane

The division of a cell into smaller functionally discrete systems.

An entity that gives rise, through a process such as evolution or chemical reaction, to another entity.

A substance that promotes a chemical reaction without itself undergoing permanent change. A catalyst increases the rate at which a reaction approaches equilibrium but does not affect the free energy change of the reaction.

An organism consisting of a cell (or cells) whose genetic material is contained in a membrane bound nucleus.

The membrane-enveloped organelle in which the eukaryotic cell's genetic material is located.

A unicellular organism that lacks a membrane-bounded nucleus. All bacteria are prokaryotes.

A nonliving entity that co-opts the metabolism of a host cell to reproduce.

The entire contents of a cell excluding the nucleus.

A differentiated structure within a eukaryotic cell, such as a mitochondrion, ribosome, or lysosome, that performs specific functions.

A labyrinthine membranous organelle in eukaryotic cells in which membrane lipids are synthesized and proteins destined for secretion, membrane insertion, and residence in certain organelles undergo posttranslational modification.

A eukaryotic organelle consisting of a set of flattened membranous sacs in which newly synthesized proteins and lipids are modified.

The double membrane enveloped eukaryotic organelles in which aerobic metabolic reactions occur, including those of the citric acid cycle, fatty acid oxidation, and oxidative phosphorylation.

The plant organelles in which photosynthesis takes place.

A membrane-bounded organelle in a eukaryotic cell that contains a battery of hydrolytic enzymes and which functions to digest ingested material and to recycle cell components.

A eukaryotic organelle with specialized oxidative functions.

An intracellular vesicle for storing water or other molecules.

The contents of a cell excluding its nucleus and other membrane-bounded organelles.

The network of intracellular fibers that gives a cell its shape and structural rigidity.

The study of biological classification.

The study of the evolutionary relationships among organisms.

One of the two major groups of prokaryotes (the other is eubacteria). Also known as archaebacteria.

The organisms comprising the two major groups of prokaryotes, the archaea and eubacteria.