1.1 Fundamental: Biomolecules

Amino acid

The building block of proteins; for example, glycine is a simple ____ that can link to others to form a polypeptide. Has a central C bound to an H, a carboxylate, an amine, and an R group.

Lipid

A hydrophobic biological molecule such as fats or oils; ___ store energy and make up cell membranes.

Polymer

A large molecule composed of repeating subunits; proteins are ____ of amino acids.

Biopolymer

A polymer produced by living organisms, such as DNA or cellulose.

Macromolecule

A very large molecule, often a biopolymer, like proteins, nucleic acids, or polysaccharides.

Polysaccharide

A carbohydrate composed of many sugar units; starch is a common example

Cytoplasm

The entire contents inside a cell membrane, excluding the nucleus, including cytosol and organelles.

Membrane

A thin layer that separates compartments; surrounds a cell.

Protein (Polypeptide)

A polymer of amino acids; functional proteins.

Cytosol

The fluid portion of the cytoplasm in which organelles are suspended.

Monomer

A single molecular unit that can join with others to form a polymer; glucose is a ___ of starch.

Residue

The portion of a monomer remaining in a polymer after forming a bond; an amino acid ____ remains in a polypeptide chain after peptide bond formation.

Enzyme

A protein that catalyzes biochemical reactions; amylase is an ___ that breaks down starch.

Natural selection

The process by which traits that increase survival and reproduction become more common; giraffes with longer necks survived better and reproduced more.

Saccharide / Sugar / Carbohydrate

Organic molecules composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen; glucose is a ___ used for energy.

Evolution

The change in traits of populations over generations due to genetic variation and selection.

Nucleic acid (Polynucleotide)

A polymer of nucleotides, such as DNA or RNA.

In vitro

A biological system that is not in a living organism; Experiments performed outside a living organism, typically in a test tube or culture dish.

Nucleotide

The monomer of nucleic acids, composed of a saccharide, phosphate, and nitrogenous cyclic base.

Small molecule

A low-molecular-weight compound, often a reactant or signaling molecule, not a polymer.

In vivo

Experiments performed inside a living organism.

Plasma membrane

The selectively permeable membrane that encloses the cytoplasm of a cell.