Biochemistry

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Biochemistry Noun

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[by-oh-kem-iss-tree]

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Biochemistry

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The scientific study of the chemical processes and substances that occur within living organisms to sustain life.

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Example: This diagram shows a large starch molecule (a polysaccharide) being broken down into many small glucose molecules (monosaccharides), illustrating a key biochemical process.

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Biomolecule Noun

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[by-oh-mol-uh-kyool]

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Biomolecule

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Any molecule present in living organisms that is essential to a biological process, such as metabolism or cell structure.

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Example: This diagram shows how small units called amino acids (monomers) link together to form larger, more complex biomolecules called proteins (polymers).

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Monomer Noun

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[mon-uh-mer]

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Monomer

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A small molecule that serves as a repeating structural unit to form a larger molecule known as a polymer.

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Example: This diagram shows that individual units, like amino acids (monomers), can link together to form larger structures, such as proteins (polymers).

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Polymer Noun

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[pol-uh-mer]

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Polymer

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A large molecule, or macromolecule, composed of many repeating subunits known as monomers linked together in a chain.

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Example: This image shows how small, individual molecules called monomers link together in a repeating chain to form a large molecule called a polymer.

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Dehydration Synthesis Noun

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[dee-hy-dray-shun sin-thuh-sis]

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Dehydration Synthesis

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A chemical reaction where two molecules are covalently bonded together with the associated removal of a water molecule.

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Example: This image shows two simple units called monomers joining together to form a larger unit, releasing a water molecule in the process.

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Hydrolysis Noun

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[hy-drol-uh-sis]

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Hydrolysis

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A chemical reaction that breaks down a compound by reacting with water, often splitting a polymer into its monomers.

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Example: This diagram shows a water molecule (H₂O) breaking down a large sucrose molecule into two smaller molecules, glucose and fructose.

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Carbohydrate Noun

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[kar-boh-hy-drayt]

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Carbohydrate

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A class of biomolecules that serves as a primary source of quick energy for organisms and provides structural support.

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Example: This image shows common food sources of carbohydrates, such as bread, rice, pasta, and sugar, which are the body's main source of energy.

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Monosaccharide Noun

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[mon-oh-sak-uh-ryd]

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Monosaccharide

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The simplest form of a carbohydrate, a simple sugar, which serves as the monomer for more complex carbohydrates.

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Example: This image shows the chemical structures of several monosaccharides, which are the simplest form of sugar and the basic building blocks of more complex carbohydrates.

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Lipid Noun

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[lip-id]

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Lipid

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A class of biomolecules that store long-term energy, provide insulation, and form major components of cell membranes.

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Example: This diagram shows a lipid bilayer, a key structure in cell membranes, made of individual phospholipid molecules with water-loving heads and water-fearing tails.

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Fatty Acid Noun

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[fat-ee as-id]

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Fatty Acid

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A carboxylic acid with a long hydrocarbon chain, which is a key structural component of many lipids.

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Example: This diagram shows a fatty acid molecule, which has a long chain of carbon and hydrogen atoms and a special 'carboxyl group' at one end.