Biological molecules official content key terms

Semi-conservative replication

A type of DNA replication where each new double helix consists of one old strand and one newly synthesized strand.

Genetic continuity

The preservation of genetic information across generations of cells or organisms.

DNA helicase

An enzyme that unwinds the DNA double helix by breaking hydrogen bonds between base pairs during DNA replication.

Replication fork

The area where the DNA double helix separates into two single strands, allowing for replication to occur.

Complementary Base Pairing

The specific pairing of nitrogenous bases in DNA, where adenine pairs with thymine and guanine pairs with cytosine.

DNA Polymerase

An enzyme that synthesizes new DNA strands by adding nucleotides complementary to the template strand.

DNA polymerase

An enzyme that synthesizes new DNA strands by adding nucleotides to a pre-existing strand during DNA replication.

Phosphodiester bond

A covalent bond that links the 5' phosphate group of one nucleotide to the 3' hydroxyl group of another nucleotide, forming the backbone of DNA.

DNA polymerase

An enzyme that synthesizes new DNA strands by adding nucleotides complementary to the template strand during DNA replication.

Helicase

An enzyme that unwinds the DNA double helix, separating the two strands to facilitate replication.

Nucleotide

A basic building block of nucleic acids, consisting of a sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base.

Phosphate group

A functional group consisting of a phosphorus atom bonded to four oxygen atoms, important in energy transfer.

Hydrolysis

A chemical reaction involving the breaking of a bond in a molecule using water.

Inorganic phosphate (Pi)

A phosphate group that is not part of a larger molecule, often released during ATP hydrolysis.

Endergonic reaction

A reaction that requires an input of energy to proceed, resulting in products that have higher energy than the reactants.

Exergonic reaction

A reaction that releases energy, typically occurring spontaneously and resulting in products that have lower energy than the reactants.

Phosphorylation

The process of adding an inorganic phosphate group to a molecule, which can change the molecule's activity or function.

Inorganic phosphate (Pi)

A free phosphate ion that can be used to phosphorylate other molecules, playing a key role in energy transfer.

Condensation Reaction

A chemical reaction where two molecules combine to form a larger molecule, releasing a small molecule such as water.

Inorganic Phosphate (Pi)

A phosphate ion that is not part of an organic molecule, often involved in energy transfer processes in cells.

Metabolite

A substance involved in or produced by metabolism, including water, which plays a crucial role in biochemical reactions.

Hydrolysis

A chemical reaction that involves the breaking of a bond in a molecule using water, resulting in the formation of smaller molecules.

Solvent

A substance that dissolves a solute, resulting in a solution, essential for biochemical reactions.

Polarity

A property of molecules where there is an uneven distribution of charge, leading to partial positive and negative ends.

Specific heat capacity

The amount of heat required to raise the temperature of 1 gram of a substance by 1°C.

Homeostasis

The maintenance of a stable internal environment within an organism.

Evaporation

The process by which molecules at the surface of a liquid gain enough energy to enter the gas phase.

Thermoregulation

The process by which organisms maintain their internal body temperature within certain boundaries, even when the surrounding temperature is different.

Cohesion

The intermolecular attraction between like molecules, which in water leads to high surface tension.

Surface Tension

The elastic tendency of a fluid surface that makes it acquire the least surface area possible, influenced by cohesive forces.