AQA A Level Biology Topic 1: Biological Molecules

A set of vocabulary flashcards based on AQA A Level Biology Topic 1: Biological Molecules.

Monomers

Smaller, repeating molecules or units from which larger molecules or polymers are made.

Polymers

Molecules made from many identical or similar monomer molecules.

Condensation Reaction

A reaction where two molecules join together, forming a chemical bond and releasing a water molecule.

Hydrolysis Reaction

A reaction where two molecules are separated, breaking a chemical bond and using a water molecule.

Disaccharides

Sugars formed from two monosaccharides joined together with a glycosidic bond through a condensation reaction.

Polysaccharides

Many monosaccharides joined together with glycosidic bonds, formed by multiple condensation reactions.

Glycosidic Bond

The bond formed between monosaccharides when they join together.

α-glucose

A form of glucose where the hydroxyl group is below carbon 1.

β-glucose

A form of glucose where the hydroxyl group is above carbon 1.

Starch

A polysaccharide in plants used for energy storage, composed of α-glucose with both 1,4 and 1,6-glycosidic bonds.

Glycogen

A polysaccharide in animals used for energy storage, composed of α-glucose with many branches.

Cellulose

A polysaccharide providing structural support in plant cell walls, composed of β-glucose arranged in straight chains.

Reducing Sugars

Monosaccharides and some disaccharides that can donate electrons to other molecules.

Benedict’s Test

A test for reducing sugars where a color change indicates the presence of sugars.

Triglycerides

Fats formed from one glycerol and three fatty acids, used for energy storage.

Phospholipids

Molecules consisting of a glycerol, two fatty acids, and a phosphate group, making up cell membranes.

Amino Acids

The building blocks of proteins, consisting of an amine group, a carboxyl group, and a variable side chain (R).

Dipeptide

A molecule formed from two amino acids joined by a peptide bond.

Polypeptide

A chain of many amino acids linked by peptide bonds.

Enzymes

Proteins that act as biological catalysts, speeding up chemical reactions by lowering activation energy.

DNA

Deoxyribonucleic acid, a molecule that carries genetic information in living organisms.

RNA

Ribonucleic acid, involved in transferring genetic information from DNA to ribosomes for protein synthesis.

ATP

Adenosine triphosphate, a nucleotide that acts as the primary energy carrier in cells.

Hydrolysis of ATP

The reaction where ATP is broken down into ADP and inorganic phosphate, releasing energy.

Water's Cohesion

The property of water that allows it to fill tubes in plants, supporting the transpiration stream.

Inorganic Ions

Essential ions such as hydrogen, iron, sodium, and phosphate that serve various roles in biological systems.