Chapter 3-6 Lectures on Macromolecules, Cells, and Membrane Structure

These flashcards cover key concepts from Chapters 3 to 6, including macromolecules, cellular structures, transport mechanisms, and thermodynamics.

What is the backbone element of macromolecules and how many covalent bonds can it form?

Carbon is the backbone of life and can form 4 covalent bonds.

What are the four main types of macromolecules?

Carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids.

What type of reaction forms bonds by removing a water molecule?

Dehydration reactions.

What type of reaction breaks bonds by adding a water molecule?

Hydrolysis reactions.

What is the simplest form of carbohydrates called?

Monosaccharides.

What type of bond joins two monosaccharides to form a disaccharide?

Glycosidic bond.

What storage polysaccharide is found in plants?

Starch.

What structural polysaccharide can humans not digest?

Cellulose.

What are lipids characterized by in terms of solubility in water?

Lipids are extremely nonpolar and are very insoluble in water.

What is the function of phospholipids in a cell?

Phospholipids make up the plasma membrane.

What structure do steroids have?

Steroids are characterized by a structure of 4 interconnected rings.

What are the three components of a nucleotide?

A phosphate group, a five-carbon sugar, and a nitrogenous base.

What differs between DNA and RNA regarding nitrogenous bases?

DNA uses thymine whereas RNA uses uracil.

What is the primary structure of proteins?

The specific sequence of amino acids.

What is denaturation in proteins?

When a protein’s shape comes undone.

What do we call the complete set of proteins expressed by a cell?

Proteome.

What is the primary role of the rough endoplasmic reticulum?

Synthesis and processing of proteins destined for membranes or secretion.

What process describes the movement of substances from high to low concentration without energy?

Passive transport.

What is osmosis?

The diffusion of water across a selectively permeable membrane.

What is the significance of ATP in cellular processes?

ATP provides energy for various cellular functions.

In the context of energy transformation, what does the First Law of Thermodynamics state?

Energy cannot be created or destroyed.

What type of reactions release energy and are spontaneous?

Exergonic reactions.

What reaction type requires energy input and is not spontaneous?

Endergonic reactions.