Chemistry of Life Vocabulary

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What are Proteins?

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Proteins are large molecules made up of amino acids. They have various functions including regulating cell processes, forming important cell structures, and helping to fight diseases. Examples include chicken, fish, and enzymes.

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What are Enzymes?

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Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions in living organisms. They are a type of protein.

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What are Nucleic Acids?

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Nucleic Acids are molecules that contain all genetic information for living organisms. The two main types are DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and RNA (ribonucleic acid).

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What are Carbohydrates?

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Carbohydrates are organic compounds made up of monosaccharides like glucose and sucrose. They serve as a primary energy source for living organisms.

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What is the most common organic element found in all living things?

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Carbon is the most common organic element found in all living things. It is a fundamental building block of life.

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What is the role of proteins in the body?

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Proteins play crucial roles in the body, including building and repairing tissues, acting as enzymes, and supporting immune function.

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What are the building blocks of proteins?

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The building blocks of proteins are amino acids, which link together in various sequences to form different proteins.

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What is the function of enzymes in biological reactions?

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Enzymes lower the activation energy required for chemical reactions, thus speeding up the rate of the reaction.

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What is the difference between DNA and RNA?

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DNA stores genetic information, while RNA plays a role in protein synthesis and can act as a messenger between DNA and ribosomes.

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What are lipids?

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Lipids are a group of organic compounds that are insoluble in water. They include fats, oils, and steroids, and are important for energy storage and cell membrane structure.