Glossary of Terms
Glossary of Terms
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Biology: The study of living organisms.
Chemistry: The study of atom and molecule combinations.
Biochemistry: The atoms and molecules used by living organisms.
Biomolecule: A molecule essential to living organisms.
Hierarchy: A listing of sizes, where each item below belongs inside each item above.
Macromolecule: A very large molecule made of linking smaller molecules.
Polymer (or Biopolymer): Another name for a Macromolecule. Not just big, but also made of repeating (identical) molecular units.
Monomer: The repeating (identical) molecular units that link to form a Polymer.
Diamer: Two monomers linked together.
Bonds: The links that hold atoms together into larger molecules. Where energy is stored.
Energy: The more atomic bonds, the more energy a molecule has.
Chemical Reaction: Rearrangement of atom bonds (without gaining or losing atoms), gaining or losing energy.
Nutrients: The "active ingredients" that food it made out of. Each has a specific purpose.
Enzyme Proteins: Macromolecule Polymers that speed up or slow down chemical reactions.
Vitamins: Often work with enzymes to speed/slow chemical reactions. Called "Co-enzymes".
Minerals: Rock particles used for structure.
Water: A charged polar substance making up 65-75% of living organisms. The charges attract atoms and small molecules, making them more interactive, and increasing the numbers of chemical reactions.