BIOLOGY FLASHCARD on Chapter 2 "The Chemistry of Life"

Front

What is glycogen?

Back

Glycogen is a polysaccharide that serves as a form of energy storage in animals, primarily found in the liver and muscle cells.

Front

What is the primary function of nucleic acids?

Back

The primary function of nucleic acids, such as DNA and RNA, is to store and transmit genetic information.

Front

What does a low pH value indicate about a solution?

Back

A low pH value indicates a high concentration of H+ ions, making the solution more acidic.

Front

What are lipids?

Back

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

Front

Why is water essential for life?

Back

Water is essential for life because it moderates Earth's climate by absorbing large amounts of heat, supports biochemical reactions, and serves as a solvent for many substances.

Front

What is the role of enzymes in biological reactions?

Back

Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions in the body by lowering the activation energy required.

Front

Define pH.

Back

pH is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of a solution, on a scale from 0 (very acidic) to 14 (very basic), with 7 being neutral.

Front

What are carbohydrates?

Back

Carbohydrates are organic compounds made of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, and they serve as a primary energy source for living organisms.

Front

What is the difference between saturated and unsaturated fats?

Back

Saturated fats contain no double bonds between carbon atoms and are typically solid at room temperature, while unsaturated fats contain one or more double bonds and are usually liquid.

Front

What is the significance of the double helix structure of DNA?

Back

The double helix structure of DNA allows for the stable storage of genetic information and the accurate replication of DNA during cell division.