The Chemistry of Life

Science

The place on an enzyme which attaches to a substrate

Active site

The place on an enzyme which attaches to a substrate is called the active site. The active site is the specific part of an enzyme where the substrate binds and the chemical reaction occurs.

A compound that is the building block of proteins

Amino acid

A compound that is the building block of proteins amino acid. Amino acids are small chemicals that link together to form proteins, which are essential for the structure and function of living organisms.

The metabolic synthesis of fats, proteins and other large molecules from smaller molecules

Anabolism

The metabolic synthesis of fats, proteins, and other large molecules from smaller molecules. Anabolism. It is the process where the body builds up complex molecules from simpler ones for growth and repair.

Adenosine triphosphate, molecules that store energy

ATP

Adenosine triphosphate, molecules that store energy. ATP. It is the main energy currency of cells, providing fuel for cellular processes.

The study of the chemistry of living things

Biochemistry

The study of the chemistry of living things. biochemistry. Biochemistry is the science that explores the chemical processes within and related to living organisms.

An energy-rich organic molecule of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, like sugar or starches

Carbohydrate

An energy-rich organic molecule of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, like sugar or starches. Carbohydrates are compounds that provide energy to living organisms.

The reactions in cells in which substances are broken down, form simpler ones and energy is produced

Catabolism

The reactions in cells in which substances are broken down, form simpler ones and energy is produced. Catabolism. In simple terms, catabolism is the process where your body breaks down food to release energy.

Cells using oxygen to produce energy from food

Cellular respiration

Cells using oxygen to produce energy from food. Cellular respiration. It is the process by which cells convert food and oxygen into energy and release carbon dioxide as a byproduct.

The breaking down of a protein's three-dimensional structure by heating, shaking, acid or alkali

Denaturation

The breaking down of a protein's three-dimensional structure by heating, shaking, acid or alkali. Denaturation. It's when a protein loses its shape and can't perform its usual function.

Deoxyribonucleic acid or ‘DNA’, carries an organism's genetic information

DNA

Deoxyribonucleic acid or DNA, carries an organism's genetic information. DNA is like a blueprint that tells cells how to function and build an organism.

A protein that speeds up chemical reactions in cells

Enzyme

A protein that speeds up chemical reactions in cells. enzyme. Enzymes are tiny proteins that help make chemical reactions in living things happen faster.

A fatty acid is a carboxylic acid, which is either saturated or unsaturated

Fatty acid

A fatty acid is a carboxylic acid, which is either saturated or unsaturated. Fatty acids are building blocks of fats that store energy in the body.

An energy-rich organic compound such as a fat or oil

Lipid

An energy-rich organic compound such as a fat or oil. Lipid. Lipids are molecules that store energy and make up cell membranes.

The sum of all chemical reactions in an organism

Metabolism

The sum of all chemical reactions in an organism metabolism. Metabolism is how your body converts food into energy to keep you alive and functioning.

A simple sugar that is the basic subunit of a carbohydrate

Monosaccharide

A simple sugar that is the basic subunit of a carbohydrate. Monosaccharide. It is a single sugar molecule, like glucose, that is used for energy.

A molecule made of nucelotides that contain genetic material, like DNA and RNA

Nucleic acid

A molecule made of nucleotides that contain genetic material, like DNA and RNA, is a nucleic acid. Nucleic acids are molecules that store and transmit genetic information in living organisms.

A nucleic acid sub unit that consists of a sugar, phosphate, and a nitrogenous base

Nucleotide

A nucleic acid subunit that consists of a sugar, phosphate, and a nitrogenous base. Nucleotide. A nucleotide is a building block of DNA and RNA.

A chain of two or more amino acids linked by peptide bonds

Peptide

A chain of two or more amino acids linked by peptide bonds. Peptide. In simple terms, a peptide is a small protein made up of a few amino acids joined together.

Covalent bond formed between two amino acids

Peptide bond

Covalent bond formed between two amino acids. Peptide bond. A peptide bond is a link that connects amino acids together to form proteins.

A lipid that contains phosphorus, it makes up cell membranes

Phospholipid

A lipid that contains phosphorus, it makes up cell membranes. Phospholipid. Phospholipids are molecules that help form the protective barrier around cells, crucial for regulating what enters and exits.

The process by which plants use sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water to make food

Photosynthesis

The process by which plants use sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water to make food. Photosynthesis. It is how plants make their own food using sunlight.

A large molecule made of many smaller monosaccharides

Polysaccharide

A large molecule made of many smaller monosaccharides. Polysaccharide. In simple terms, a polysaccharide is a carbohydrate made up of long chains of sugar molecules bonded together.

An organic compound that is made of amino acids

Protein

An organic compound that is made of amino acids. Protein. Proteins are essential molecules in our bodies that help build and repair tissues.

Ribonucleic acid or RNA, a molecule that aids in protein synthesis

RNA

Ribonucleic acid or RNA, a molecule that aids in protein synthesis. RNA. RNA is a molecule that helps transfer genetic information from DNA to make proteins in cells.

To convert a fat into soap by treating it with an alkali and heat

Saponification

To convert a fat into soap by treating it with an alkali and heat. Saponification. Saponification is a chemical process where fats or oils react with an alkali to produce soap and glycerol.

A lipid with four rings arranged in a specific molecular configuration

Steroid

A lipid with four rings arranged in a specific molecular configuration. Steroid. Steroids are organic compounds that act as powerful signaling molecules in the body, such as hormones like testosterone and estrogen.

A reactant to which an enzyme binds

Substrate

A reactant to which an enzyme binds. Substrate. A substrate is the specific molecule that an enzyme acts upon during a chemical reaction.

Three fatty acids bonded to a glycerol through ester bonds

Triglyceride

Three fatty acids bonded to a glycerol through ester bonds. Triglyceride. A triglyceride is a type of fat found in your blood that's used for energy storage.

A simple lipid which is an ester of a long-chain fatty acid and alcohol

Wax

A simple lipid which is an ester of a long-chain fatty acid and alcohol. Wax. Wax is a natural substance produced by plants and animals that provides a protective coating.