Chemical Reactions

By
Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D.
Chemistry Expert
  • Ph.D., Biomedical Sciences, University of Tennessee at Knoxville
  • B.A., Physics and Mathematics, Hastings College
Dr. Helmenstine holds a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences and is a science writer, educator, and consultant. She has taught science courses at the high school, college, and graduate levels.
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Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D.
Updated November 05, 2019

 This is a collection of important chemical reactions you may encounter in a chemistry class or in the lab.

01
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Citric Acid Cycle

The Citric Acid Cycle is also known as the Krebs Cycle or Tricarboxylic Acid (TCA) Cycle.
The Citric Acid Cycle is also known as the Krebs Cycle or Tricarboxylic Acid (TCA) Cycle. It is a series of chemical reactions that takes place in the cell that breaks down food molecules into carbon dioxide, water, and energy. Narayanese, wikipedia.org
02
of 07

Chemiluminescence Reaction - TCPO

Chemiluminescence Reaction - TCPO
Chemiluminescence Reaction - TCPO. Anne Helmenstine
03
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Chemiluminescence Reaction

Chemiluminescence Reaction
Chemiluminescence Reaction. Anne Helmenstine
04
of 07

Saponification (Soap) Reaction

Example of a saponification reaction.
Saponification involves the hydrolysis of an ester to form an alcohol and the salt of a carboxylic acid. Anne Helmenstine
05
of 07

Translation

This diagram depicts the translation of mRNA and synthesis of proteins by ribosomes in the cell.
This diagram depicts the translation of mRNA and the synthesis of proteins by ribosomes in the cell. LadyofHats, Wikipedia Commons

Translation is the initial step in the production of proteins by the cell. Translation uses the product of transcription, mRNA, as the template for constructing a sequence of polypeptides. This is done according to the genetic code. Each mRNA base signifies a series of three amino acids. The amino acids join to form polypeptides, which are modified to become proteins.

Translation is done by the ribosomes in a cell's cytoplasm. There are four stages of translation: activation, initiation, elongation, and termination. These steps describe the growth of the amino acid chain.

06
of 07

Glycolysis

Glycolysis serves as the foundation for both aerobic and anaerobic cellular respiration.
Glycolysis is the metabolic process that serves as the foundation for both aerobic and anaerobic cellular respiration. In glycolysis, glucose is converted into pyruvate. Todd Helmenstine
07
of 07

Nylon Synthesis - General Reaction

This is the general reaction for the polymerization of nylon.
This is the general reaction for the polymerization of nylon as a result of condensation polymerization of dicarboxylic acid and diamine. Calvero, Public Domain License