This is a draft cheat sheet. It is a work in progress and is not finished yet.
Water H2O - solvent of life
Water is the dominant component of virtually all living organisms, and most biochemical reactions |
one oxygen and two hydrogen (connected via covalent bonds) |
allows chemical reactions to occur inside living organisms |
necessary for the formation of certain biological structures |
polar molecule that can form hydrogen bonds - tetrahedral shape (because of four pairs of electrons on outer shell) |
gas→ does not form hydrogen bonds |
solid → molecules are held in a rigid state by hydrogen bonds |
liquid → hydrogen bonds continually break and form as water molecules move |
Evaporation |
Living systems use the evaporation of water, which disrupts hydrogen bonds, to dissipate excess heat that would otherwise cause problems. |
Adhesion |
the attraction of water molecules to other molecules of a different type |
cohesion |
the capacity of water molecules to resist coming apart from one another when places under tension |
surface tension |
water molecules stick to one another |
Macromolecules
Macromolecules: (=Polymers) Function: energy storage, structural support, transport, protection and defense, regulation of metabolic activities, means for movement / growth / development, heredity |
Proteins |
The functions of proteins include support, protection (e.g., skin surface), catalysis, transport, defense, regulation, movement, signaling, and storage |
Carbohydrates |
contain carbon bonded to hydrogen and oxygen atoms and have the general formula (C1H2o1)n. act as energy storage and transport molecules and structural components |
nucleic acids |
A polymer made up of nucleotides, specialized for the storage, transmission, and expression of genetic information. DNA and RNA are nucleic acids. |
lipids |
Nonpolar, hydrophobic molecules that include fats, oils, waxes, steroids, and the phospholipids that make up biological membranes |
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