Biomolecules and Cell Functions Study Guide

Flashcards covering key concepts from biomolecules and cell functions as studied in BIOL 101.

Biomolecules

Large biological molecules essential for life, including carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.

Monomer

A single subunit that can join together with others to form a polymer.

Polymer

A large molecule composed of many monomers bonded together by covalent bonds.

Hydrophobic

A chemical property of lipids that makes them insoluble in water.

Fatty Acid

A long chain of hydrocarbons connected to a carboxylic acid, commonly found in lipids.

Cis Fatty Acid

A fatty acid where the carbon-carbon double bond has hydrogens on the same side.

Trans Fatty Acid

A fatty acid where the carbon-carbon double bond has hydrogens on opposite sides.

Monosaccharide

The simplest form of carbohydrates, consisting of a single sugar molecule.

Polysaccharide

A polymer formed from the linkage of multiple monosaccharides; serves as energy storage or structural support.

Amino Acid

The monomer of proteins, characterized by an amino group, carboxylic acid, and a unique R group.

Protein Structure

Defined by four levels: primary (amino acid sequence), secondary (hydrogen bonding), tertiary (3D structure), and quaternary (multiple polypeptides).

Denatured Protein

A protein that has lost its specific shape and function due to external factors such as heat or pH changes.

Nucleus

An organelle that houses the cell's genetic information (DNA).

Endoplasmic Reticulum

A membranous organelle involved in protein and lipid synthesis.

Golgi Apparatus

An organelle that modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids for secretion or use in the cell.

Mitochondria

Double membrane-bound organelles that produce ATP, the energy currency of the cell.

Chloroplast

An organelle in plant cells where photosynthesis occurs, converting light energy into chemical energy.

Passive Transport

Movement of molecules across a membrane from high to low concentration without energy input.

Active Transport

Movement of molecules across a membrane from low to high concentration, requiring energy in the form of ATP.

Osmosis

The passive movement of water across a semipermeable membrane from high to low concentration.

Kinetic Energy

The energy of movement.

Potential Energy

Stored energy.

ATP

A molecule that provides energy for cellular processes; energy is released when the bond between its second and third phosphate groups is broken.

Enzyme

A biological catalyst that speeds up the rate of a chemical reaction by lowering its activation energy.

Photosynthesis

The process by which green plants convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen using sunlight.

Chemical Reaction

A process where reactants are transformed into products; substrates are the specific reactants in enzyme-catalyzed reactions.

Active Site

The specific region on an enzyme where substrate molecules bind and undergo a chemical reaction.

phospholipids

major consituent of plsama membrane, has a hydrophilic head and hydrophobic tails.

membrane proteins

can either penetrate the membrane completly or associate with it. can be enzymes, involved in trasnport. anchoring the cell

cholesterol

steroid that regulated membrane fuidity of cell

anabolic

energy is uesed to build up complexity; single subunits are bonded to make polymers

catabolic

large molecules are broken down to form simpler molecules are released

overall reaction of aerobic cellular respiration

Glucose and oxygen break down into carbon dioxide, water, and energy in the form of ATP and

heat. Glucose and oxygen are the reactants. Carbon dioxide, water and energy are products.