Question

Choose one of the following terms to match the description given. a. aldohexose n. glycogen b. saliva o. glycoside linkage c. antibody p. hormone d. cellulose q. hydrophobic e. \(\mathrm{CH}_{2} \mathrm{O}\) I. inhibition f. cysteine s. ketohexoses g. denaturation t. oxytocin h. disaccharides u. pleated sheet i. disulfide v. polypeptide j. DNA w. polysaccharides k. enzymes x. primary structure 1\. fibrous y. substrate m. globular z. sucrose biological catalysts

Short answer

The correct term for "biological catalysts" is \(k. enzymes\). These are proteins that act as catalysts, speeding up biochemical reactions in living organisms.

Step-by-step solution

Identifying the term that fits the description.

In the list of terms provided, we look for the one that refers to substances that serve as catalysts in biological systems. Searching through the list, we find the term "k. enzymes."

Confirming the correct term.

Enzymes are proteins that act as biological catalysts. They speed up the rate of biochemical reactions in living organisms by providing an alternative reaction pathway with a lower activation energy, thus making the reaction process more efficient. Therefore, the term "k. enzymes" correctly matches the given description of "biological catalysts."

Key concepts

Biological Catalysts

Enzymes are fascinating molecules that play a critical role in the cells of all living organisms. They function as biological catalysts, which means they accelerate chemical reactions without being consumed or altered in the process. By binding to reactants, they facilitate the breakdown of complex substances or the synthesis of new ones, effectively increasing the efficiency and speed of biochemical reactions.

A few important characteristics of enzymes include:
- **Specificity:** Enzymes are highly specific to their substrates, ensuring precise reactions.
- **Efficiency:** They can increase reaction rates by over a million times.
- **Regulation:** Enzyme activity can be modulated by molecules that enhance or inhibit their functions.

In summary, without enzymes, many of the necessary biochemical reactions within our bodies would be too slow to support life. They are indispensable for maintaining life's processes.

Biochemistry

Biochemistry is the study of the chemical substances and vital processes that occur within living organisms. This field bridges biology and chemistry, exploring how biomolecules such as proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids contribute to the structure, function, and regulation of cells.

Areas of focus within biochemistry include:
- **Metabolism:** Understanding how organisms convert food into energy.
- **Genetic Code:** Studying DNA and RNA roles in genetic expression and inheritance.
- **Cellular Signaling:** Exploring how cells communicate and respond to external stimuli.

Through biochemistry, scientists can delve deeper into the molecular mechanisms that underlie both health and disease. This knowledge is crucial for developing new medical treatments and improving overall understanding of life at the molecular level.

Activation Energy

In any chemical reaction, activation energy is the initial energy required to start a reaction. Think of it as a hill that reactants must climb over to be transformed into products. Without sufficient activation energy, a reaction cannot proceed.

Enzymes play a pivotal role by lowering the activation energy needed for reactions. This allows reactions to occur more readily, even at lower temperatures that are compatible with living organisms. By providing an alternate pathway, enzymes make it easier for molecules to overcome this energy barrier, thereby facilitating faster and more efficient reactions.

Thus, understanding activation energy is vital for grasping how chemical reactions are initiated and how enzymes function as catalysts.

Biochemical Reactions

Biochemical reactions are the chemical processes that occur within living organisms to sustain life. These reactions are responsible for breaking down nutrients to release energy, building up cellular structures, and controlling internal environments.

Some key features include:
- **Anabolism and Catabolism:** Together, they make up metabolism. Anabolism builds up complex molecules, while catabolism breaks them down.
- **Enzymatic Control:** Enzymes accelerate reactions, making them vital for life processes.
- **Energy Transfer:** Reactions often involve energy transformations, required for vital activities like muscle contraction and neural actions.

Comprehending biochemical reactions allows us to understand everything from digestion to cell respiration. They form the foundation of all biological functions and are a central concept in biology and biochemistry.