Molecules of Life: Organic Matter and Carbon Compounds

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering the four major classes of organic molecules (carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids), carbon bonding characteristics, and polymerization reactions.

Organic

A substance that contains the element carbon (with hydrogen).

Carbohydrates

Organic compounds composed of $C$, $H$, and $O$ in a $1\text{ to }2$ carbon-to-hydrogen ratio, functioning to provide daily energy.

Monosaccharide

The monomer of carbohydrates, examples of which include glucose, galactacose, and fructos.

Isomers

Compounds that have the same chemical formula (such as $C_6H_{12}O_6$) but different structural arrangements.

Lipids

Organic molecules composed of $C$, $H$, and $O$ that store energy and compose the cell membrane; examples include fats, oils, and waxes.

Hydrophilic

Water loving; describes one end of a lipid molecule.

Hydrophobic

Water fearing; describes one end of a lipid molecule.

Saturated Fats

Fats in which the carbon is covalently bonded to four other atoms, such as animal fat and butter.

Unsaturated Fats

Fats in which the carbon is bonded to only three other atoms with one double bond, such as vegetable oil.

Triglyceride

The polymer of lipids formed through a condensation reaction between glycerol and $3$ fatty acids.

Proteins

Organic molecules composed of $C$, $H$, $O$, and $N$ that function in cell growth and maintenance, and act as catalysts in living things.

Amino Acids

The monomers of proteins featuring carboxyl, amino, and variable "R" groups, which bond together to form dipeptides and polypeptides.

Peptide Bond

The covalent bond formed between two amino acids via a condensation reaction.

Nucleic Acids

Polymers composed of $C$, $H$, $O$, $N$, and $P$ that function to store and transmit genetic information, such as DNA and RNA.

Nucleotide

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

Carbon Atom Bonding Capacity

Having $4$ electrons in its outermost energy level, allowing it to form $4$ covalent bonds (straight chains, branched chains, or rings) with other elements or carbons.

Functional Groups

Clusters of atoms in most organic compounds that influence the properties of the molecules they compose.

Monomers

Smaller, simpler molecules that bond to one another to build larger carbon molecules.

Polymers

Molecules formed by the bonding together of monomers; large versions are called macromolecules.

Condensation Reaction

A chemical process in which monomers link together to form polymers, producing water as one of the products.

Hydrolysis

The reverse of a condensation reaction that breaks down polymers into smaller units, requiring water as a reactant ("water cutting/breaking").