Chemistry in Biology

Front

What are the three elements that make up carbohydrates?

Back

Carbohydrates are made of carbon (C), hydrogen (H), and oxygen (O).

Front

What defines an organic compound?

Back

An organic compound is a compound that contains carbon.

Front

What is a charged atom that has lost or gained electrons called?

Back

A charged atom that has lost or gained electrons is called an ion.

Front

What charge does an atom have when it loses electrons?

Back

When an atom loses electrons, it has a positive charge and is called a cation.

Front

Which macromolecule is primarily responsible for energy storage?

Back

Lipids (fats) are the macromolecules that store energy.

Front

What is the basic building block of carbohydrates?

Back

The basic building block of carbohydrates is a monosaccharide.

Front

What is the difference between a saturated and unsaturated fat?

Back

Saturated fats have no double bonds between carbon atoms, while unsaturated fats have one or more double bonds.

Front

What role do enzymes play in biological reactions?

Back

Enzymes act as catalysts to speed up biological reactions without being consumed in the process.

Front

What is the primary function of proteins in biological systems?

Back

Proteins serve various functions including structural support, transport, and acting as enzymes.

Front

What is the significance of the pH level in biological systems?

Back

The pH level affects enzyme activity, ionization of molecules, and overall cellular function.