Biomolecules and Cell Biology Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards reviewing essential biomolecules, monomers, polymers, cellular organelles, and structural cell components based on lecture notes.

Carbohydrates

A major biomolecule composed of the elements $\text{C}$, $\text{H}$, and $\text{O}$ that provides a fast source of energy, offers rigid structure and support to plants, fungi, and exoskeletons, and plays a role in cell signaling.

Monosaccharide

The single-unit monomer building block of carbohydrates.

Polysaccharide

The complex polymer structure formed by bonded carbohydrate monosaccharides.

Glycogen

An example of a carbohydrate polysaccharide that serves as energy storage in organisms.

Cellulose

A carbohydrate polymer that provides rigid structure and support in plant cell walls.

Chitin

A carbohydrate polymer that forms structural support in fungi and insect or crustacean exoskeletons.

Lipids

Fatty, waxy, or oily biomolecules made of $\text{C}$, $\text{H}$, and $\text{O}$ that function in long-term energy storage, insulation, cell signaling, and as the main structural component of cell membranes.

Fatty Acid & Glycerol

The monomer building blocks that combine to form lipid molecules.

Triglycerides

A class of lipids including fats, oils, and grease used primarily for long-term energy storage.

Phospholipids

A specific type of lipid that forms the lipid bilayer of cell membranes.

Proteins

Biomolecules composed of $\text{C}$, $\text{H}$, $\text{O}$, and $\text{N}$ that function in muscle development, speeding up chemical reactions, membrane transport, body defense, structure, and oxygen transport.

Amino Acids

The monomer building blocks of proteins, characterized by an amino group, a carboxyl group, and a variable R group.

Polypeptide

The polymer chain composed of linked amino acid monomers in proteins.

Enzymes

Protein molecules that act as biological catalysts to speed up chemical reactions by lessening the energy required.

Antibodies

Proteins produced by the immune system that function in body defense.

Hemoglobin

A specialized protein responsible for the transport of oxygen in the body.

Nucleic Acids

Biomolecules composed of $\text{C}$, $\text{H}$, $\text{O}$, $\text{N}$, and $\text{P}$ that store and transmit genetic information to code for proteins.

Nucleotide

The monomer building block of nucleic acids, consisting of a phosphate group, a 5-carbon sugar, and a nitrogenous base.

DNA

Deoxyribonucleic acid, a nucleic acid polymer that stores genetic code used to direct protein synthesis.

RNA

Ribonucleic acid, a nucleic acid polymer that transmits genetic information to code for proteins.

Mitochondria

The powerhouse organelle of the cell that carries out cellular respiration to break down food and generate $\text{ATP}$, inherited directly from the egg cell.

Cellular Respiration

The metabolic process taking place inside the mitochondria where food is broken down to produce $\text{ATP}$.

Chloroplasts

Organelles found in plant cells that contain their own DNA and capture solar energy to perform photosynthesis.

Photosynthesis

The process occurring in chloroplasts that converts solar energy into chemical energy.

Cytoskeleton

A three-dimensional network of protein filaments, such as actin, that helps the cell maintain its shape and mediates movement.

Cell Membrane

A thin, flexible barrier surrounding all cells that regulates what enters and exits the cell, composed of a lipid bilayer with embedded carbohydrates and proteins.

Lipid Bilayer

A double-layered sheet of lipids containing embedded carbohydrates and protein channels, forming a strong yet flexible cellular barrier.

Cell Wall

A rigid protective structure located outside the cell membrane in plants, algae, fungi, and prokaryotes, typically composed of carbohydrates, cellulose, and proteins.

Cytoplasm

The cellular material found between the cell membrane and the nucleus that anchors and holds all organelles in place.