Table of contents

1. Introduction to Biochemistry4h 34m
2. Water3h 23m
3. Amino Acids8h 10m
4. Protein Structure10h 4m
5. Protein Techniques14h 5m
6. Enzymes and Enzyme Kinetics13h 38m
7. Enzyme Inhibition and Regulation 8h 42m
8. Protein Function 9h 41m
9. Carbohydrates7h 49m
10. Lipids5h 49m
11. Biological Membranes and Transport 6h 37m
12. Biosignaling9h 45m
Review 1: Nucleic Acids, Lipids, & Membranes2h 47m
Review 2: Biosignaling, Glycolysis, Gluconeogenesis, & PP-Pathway3h 12m
Review 3: Pyruvate & Fatty Acid Oxidation, Citric Acid Cycle, & Glycogen Metabolism2h 26m
Review 4: Amino Acid Oxidation, Oxidative Phosphorylation, & Photophosphorylation1h 48m

1. Introduction to Biochemistry

Characteristics of Life

Biochemistry

1. Introduction to Biochemistry

Characteristics of Life

Previous problemNext problem

Struggling with Biochemistry?

Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is a characteristic of living organisms that distinguishes them from synthetic polymers?

Composed entirely of repeating monomer units

Inability to respond to environmental stimuli

Ability to undergo metabolism

Lack of cellular organization

Previous problemNext problem

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the question: The problem asks to identify a characteristic of living organisms that distinguishes them from synthetic polymers. This requires knowledge of the unique features of living organisms compared to non-living synthetic materials.

Define key terms: Metabolism refers to the chemical processes that occur within a living organism to maintain life, including energy production, synthesis of biomolecules, and waste elimination. Synthetic polymers, on the other hand, are man-made materials composed of repeating monomer units and lack biological processes.

Analyze the options: Evaluate each option to determine whether it applies to living organisms or synthetic polymers. For example, 'Composed entirely of repeating monomer units' is a characteristic of synthetic polymers, not living organisms. Similarly, 'Inability to respond to environmental stimuli' and 'Lack of cellular organization' are traits that do not apply to living organisms.

Focus on metabolism: Living organisms are defined by their ability to undergo metabolism, which is a fundamental process that synthetic polymers cannot perform. This involves enzymatic reactions, energy transfer, and maintaining homeostasis.

Conclude: Based on the analysis, the distinguishing characteristic of living organisms is their ability to undergo metabolism, which sets them apart from synthetic polymers.