Biochem Cheatsheet by Michael Zhao

Science / Biochemistry

March 31, 2025 15:42

biochemistry

chemical reactions

collision theory

enzymes

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Chemical Foundations

Element: A substance that cannot be broken down into simpler substances by chemical means.	Atom: The smallest unit of an element that retains the properties of that element.
Proton: Positively charged subatomic particle located in the nucleus.	Neutron: Neutral subatomic particle located in the nucleus.
Electron: Negatively charged subatomic particle located in electron shells around the nucleus.	Nucleus: The dense central part of an atom, containing protons and neutrons.
Bohr-Rutherford Model: A model of the atom with a nucleus at the center and electrons in orbits around it.	Sketch the structure showing nucleus and electron shells for elements Z=1-20.

Physical Reaction: A change in the physical properties of a substance without changing its chemical composition.

Chemical Reaction: A process that leads to the transformation of one set of chemical substances to another.

Law of Conservation of Mass: Mass is neither created nor destroyed in a chemical reaction.

Balance chemical equations to demonstrate the conservation of mass.

Collision Theory: For a reaction to occur, particles must collide with sufficient energy and correct orientation.

Activation Energy: The minimum energy required for a reaction to occur.

Reaction Rate: The speed at which reactants are converted into products.

Temperature: Increases kinetic energy, leading to more frequent and energetic collisions.	Concentration: Higher concentration increases the chance of collisions.
Surface Area: More surface area increases the number of collisions.	Catalysts: Lower activation energy, increasing the rate of reaction.
Pressure (for gases): Increases the frequency of collisions.	Interpret Maxwell-Boltzmann and Energy profile graphs to understand temperature and catalysts’ effects.

Enzymes: Biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions without being consumed.

Induced Fit Model: Enzymes change shape slightly to accommodate the substrate.

Factors Affecting Enzyme Activity: Temperature, pH, substrate concentration, and inhibitors.

ATP Synthase: An enzyme that creates the energy storage molecule ATP.

Data Presentation: Correctly collect, organize, and present data in tables or graphs.	Interpretation: Analyze and explain experimental results.
Plastic Pollution: Discuss the environmental impact and the role of microbes in recycling.	Enzymes in Recycling: Explain the necessity of enzymes in breaking down plastics.