Biochemistry Basics
What is Biochemistry?
Biochemistry is a branch of science that studies how the different chemical processes work within an organism.
What is an organic compound, 2 examples?
Organic compounds are compounds derived from living matter, so organisms create these compounds.
Ex: SUGARS and PROTEINS
Describe the structural and functional differences between DNA and RNA.
Structural- RNA is single-stranded and made of the following Nitrogen Bases:
A - Adenine
U - Uracil
G - Guanine
C - Cytosine
Functional- RNA copies pieces of DNA to give the cell instructions about which proteins to make.
Why was Gregor Mendel important to the study of genetics? (What did he do?)
What is a phenotype?
The way genes are expressed.
Ex. Blue Eyes, Brown Hair, Disease
How do you find the number of PROTONS, NEUTRONS, and ELECTRONS in an atom?
PROTONS = The atomic number is the number of protons.
NEUTRONS = The atomic mass subtracted by the atomic number.
ELECTRONS = The neutrons and protons are the same number.
What is an inorganic compound, 2 examples?
Inorganic compounds are compounds that are not and never were living.
Ex: SALTS and WATER
What are the 3 major components of a DNA molecule?
PHOSPHATES, SUGARS, and NITROGEN BASES.
Why was Reginald Punnett important to the study of genetics? (What did he do?)
Based on the work of Gregor Mendel, he developed the "Punnet Square" as a method of predicting the chance of different physical traits and genetic combinations.
What is the difference between a dominant and recessive allele?
A dominant allele will always be the stronger gene and a recessive allele will always be masked over(weaker)
What is a compound?
Compounds are materials formed by chemically bonding two or more chemical elements.
What is genealogy?
The study of genes.
What is the name of the shape of a DNA molecule?
DOUBLE HELIX
What is a genotype?
The gene combination for the trait
Ex. Bb, BB, bb
Define a purebred and what are the 2 different types?
When you have two identical genes for a trait. Two different types are Purebread Dominant and Purebread Recessive. (AA) , (aa).
Describe the difference between Single and Double bonding in a compound.
A single bond shares 1 pair of electrons.
A double bond shares 2 pairs of electrons.
What are genes and where are they located?
Genes are inheritable traits that are passed on from generation to generation through reproduction.
Genes are located on the chromosomes of each organism and each chromosome can contain many different genes.
Describe the Lock and Key method.
Certain molecules can only bond together based on their shape and fit together like a lock and key. Nitrogen bases are able to bond together using this method.
What are the 3 different types of genotype combinations?
Hybrid, Ressesive, Dominant
Ex: (Aa),(aa),(AA)
Define a Hybrid
Having two different genes for a trait
Ex. Hybrid - Bb
Describe how you read a compound’s formula.
First, you find the chemical formula. Then, you find the components. Lastly, you add up all of the numbers of atoms.
Describe the structural and functional differences between DNA and RNA.
Structural - DNA is in the shape of a Double Helix and made of the following Nitrogen Bases:
A - Adenine
T - Thymine
G - Guanine
C - Cytosine
Functional - DNA is an organism’s genetic code that makes up the chromosomes in the nucleus.
What is Heredity?
The passing of traits from parent to offspring.
What is an allele?
Genes options for a particular trait.
Ex. Petal Color - Red Petal Color Gene or White Petal Color Gene
Ex. Blood Types – A Gene, B Gene, O Gene
What does it mean when something is Codominant?
Both traits are shown in the hybrid genotype.
Ex. Blood Type, Fish Colors, Cow Fur Pattern