Biomolecules and Structural Biochemistry

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to biomolecules, their structures, functions, and methodologies in biochemistry.

Carbon skeleton

A chain of carbon atoms bonded together, forming the backbone of various organic molecules.

Isomers

Molecules with the same atomic makeup but different structural arrangements.

Functional Groups

Specific groups of atoms within molecules that confer distinct chemical properties.

Macromolecules

Polymers made from individual units called monomers, which link together like building blocks.

Dehydration synthesis

A process where monomers combine by forming bonds and releasing water molecules.

Enantiomers

Molecules that are nonsuperimposable mirror images of each other.

Glycosidic bond

The type of bond formed when monosaccharides link together to form polysaccharides.

Amphipathic

Molecules that contain both polar and nonpolar groups.

R group

The side chain that varies among different amino acids.

Proteomic analysis

The study of all accumulated proteins in an organism.

MALDI-TOF

A method that involves generating gas phase ions from intact microorganisms.

FAME

A method involving the conversion of microbial lipids to volatile compounds for analysis by gas chromatography.

Carbonyl group

A functional group characterized by a carbon atom double-bonded to an oxygen atom.

Chitin

A structural polymer found in the cell walls of fungi and the exoskeletons of some animals.

Cellulose

A structural polymer found in plants, providing rigidity.

Glycogen

An energy storage polymer found in animal cells and bacteria.

Starch

An energy storage polymer found in plants.

Cholesterol

The most common steroid found in animal tissues, featuring tetracyclic carbon rings.

Primary structure

The sequence of amino acids in a protein.