Biochemical Molecules - Grade 10 Biology

These flashcards cover key concepts related to biochemical molecules, their structures, functions, and significance in biology.

Biochemical Molecules

Molecules that play a crucial role in biological processes; they include carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.

Carbohydrates

Organic compounds consisting of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, usually with a hydrogen to oxygen ratio of 2:1, serving as a primary energy source.

Lipids

Molecules that are insoluble in water and include fats, oils, and steroids; they store energy and form cell membranes.

Proteins

Large molecules made up of chains of amino acids that play critical roles in biological processes, including acting as enzymes and structural components.

Nucleic Acids

Biomolecules essential for life, including DNA and RNA, that are composed of nucleotides and function to store and transmit genetic information.

Monosaccharides

The simplest form of carbohydrates, consisting of single sugar molecules like glucose and fructose.

Disaccharides

Carbohydrates formed by the combination of two monosaccharides, such as sucrose and lactose.

Polysaccharides

Complex carbohydrates formed by long chains of monosaccharides, like starch, glycogen, and cellulose.

Amino Acids

Organic compounds that serve as the building blocks of proteins; they contain an amino group, a carboxyl group, and a unique side chain.

Peptide Bonds

Chemical bonds formed between amino acids in a protein, created by a dehydration reaction.

Hydrophilic

Substances that are attracted to water; they tend to be polar or charged.

Hydrophobic

Substances that do not interact well with water; they are typically nonpolar.

Enzymes

Proteins that act as catalysts to accelerate chemical reactions in the body.

Cohesion

The attraction between molecules of the same substance, contributing to the surface tension of water.

Adhesion

The attraction between molecules of different substances, which in plants helps draw water upward.

Nucleotide

The basic building block of nucleic acids, consisting of a sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base.

Globular Proteins

Proteins that are water-soluble and have a spherical shape; examples include enzymes and antibodies.

Fibrous Proteins

Proteins that provide structural support; they are elongated and insoluble in water, such as collagen.

Genetic Material

DNA or RNA that contains the instructions for the development and function of living organisms.

Hydrogen Bond

A weak bond formed between a hydrogen atom and a more electronegative atom, important in maintaining the structure of proteins and nucleic acids.