4 Key Classes molecules in biochemistry are carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and nucleic acids
Lipids are oily molecules that comprise the cell membrane and made up of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms.
Carbohydrates are sugars and glycans that store and provide structure and are made up of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen.
Nuclei acids are the building blocks of DNA and RNA. They encode and translate biological info
A protein molecule is made of long chains of amino acids, each linked to through covalent peptide bond. Therefore known as polypeptides Each type of protein has a unique sequence of amino acids, exactly the same from one molecule to the next. The role of proteins include structural roles, functional roles and catalysis.
Protein
-peptide or prote-
Chains of molecules
poly- (many)
Enzymes
catalyse chemical reactions, ends in -ase
Proteins are polypeptides- Each type of protein has a unique sequence of amino acids, exactly the same from one molecule to the next.
The role of proteins include structural roles, functional roles and catalysis.
Enzymes are types of proteins and are biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions inside cells.
Terms for Enzymes
often ends in 'ase'
5 examples of Enzymes
Transferase : transfers a functional group (e.g. a methyl or phosphate )
Kinase : Adds phosphate groups (phosphorylation)
Polymerase: e.g. DNA polymerase or RNA polymerase
Protease: catalyses proteolysis (breakdown of large proteins into smaller peptides and amino acids)
Lipase: breaks down triglycerides (fats) into fatty acids and glycerol (lip/o= relating to fat or other lipids)
Polysaccharides are long chain (polymeric) carbohydrates
e.g. starch, cellulose
Monosaccharides are building blocks of polysaccharides e.g. glucose, fructose, galactose
Anticoagulant
One that opposes clotting
A treatment or drug given to reduce blood clotting
cytology
The study of cells
Can also be a type of test- e.g. one used to diagnose cancer
Erythroblast
An immature red blood cell
Developing in bone marrow
Haemolysis
Breakdown of red blood cells
haematoma
A collection of blood outside a vessel - Bruises
acute myeloid leukaemia
Severe condition of white blood cells derived from the bone marrow
Type of cancer that affects blood and bone marrow- usually overproduction of immature leukocytes
Thrombocytopenia
Condition of low count of thrombocytes (platelets)
Haematopoiesis
Formation of blood cells (from stem cells)
Phagocytosis
Process by which phagocytes (eating cells) engulfing a particular microbe e.g. macrophage (big eater)
