Biomolecules and Organic Compounds Flashcards

Flashcards for reviewing biomolecules and organic compounds.

What is an organic compound?

A compound that contains carbon and is found in living things (with certain exceptions like CO2 and carbonates).

How many covalent bonds can carbon atoms form?

Four, allowing for a diversity of stable carbon compounds.

What are monomers?

Smaller recurring subunits that comprise complex organic molecules.

Which organic compounds are composed of monomers?

Carbohydrates, nucleic acids, and proteins.

What is metabolism?

The totality of chemical processes that occur within a cell to maintain life.

What is anabolism?

Metabolic processes where smaller compounds are combined to form larger ones, involving condensation and the release of water.

What is catabolism?

Metabolic processes where large compounds are broken down into smaller ones, involving hydrolysis and the input of water.

What are the four classes of organic compounds found in cells?

Carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids, and proteins.

What is the primary function of carbohydrates?

A short-term energy source, also involved in cellular structure and signaling.

What are some examples of carbohydrates and their functions?

Glucose (energy source), cellulose (plant cell walls), glycoproteins (membrane receptors).

What is the primary component of cell membranes?

Lipids (e.g., phospholipids).

What are some of the functions of lipids?

Component of cell membranes, structure (waxes), cellular signaling (steroid hormones) and as a long-term energy source (e.g. triglycerides)

What is the function of nucleic acids?

They function as a genetic blueprint for cellular activity. DNA serves as a master copy, while RNA functions as a transient copy for protein synthesis.

What are some of the functions of proteins?

Structure (e.g., collagen), signaling (e.g., peptide hormones), immunity (e.g., antibodies), and maintaining metabolic control (e.g., enzymes).

What are the monomeric units of carbohydrates?

Monosaccharides.

What are some examples of monosaccharides and the polysaccharides they form?

Glucose (forms glycogen, starch, and cellulose) and Ribose (forms RNA and DNA)

Describe the structure of triglycerides.

A glycerol subunit combined with three fatty acid chains.

Describe the structure of phospholipids.

Two fatty acid chains attached to glycerol, plus a polar phosphate group (making it amphipathic).

What is the basic structure of steroids?

Four fused carbon rings.

What are the monomeric subunits of nucleic acids?

Nucleotides, each containing a nitrogenous base, a sugar, and a phosphate molecule.

What is the function of the sequence of bases in nucleic acids?

It functions as a code for protein assembly.

What are the monomers that form proteins?

Amino acids.

How many different amino acids are there?

20

What elements are found in all organic compounds?

Carbon (C), hydrogen (H), and oxygen (O).

Which additional elements are found in nucleic acids and proteins?

Nitrogen (N), and nucleic acids also contain phosphorus (P), while proteins may contain sulfur (S).

What are some key inorganic molecules important for cell function?

Oxygen (O2), carbon dioxide (CO2), water (H2O), and trace minerals (e.g., Na+, K+, Cl–).