Fundamentals of Biomolecules

These flashcards cover vocabulary terms and concepts related to the fundamentals of biomolecules, including proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, and lipids.

Amino Acid

Organic compounds that serve as the building blocks of proteins, consisting of a central carbon atom, an amino group, a carboxyl group, and a variable side chain (R-group).

Peptide Bond

A covalent bond formed between amino acids during protein synthesis, resulting from a condensation reaction between the amino group of one amino acid and the carboxyl group of another.

Protein Structure

The three-dimensional shape of a protein that is determined by its amino acid sequence and interactions among its side chains.

Primary Structure

The unique sequence of amino acids in a polypeptide chain.

Secondary Structure

The local folding of a polypeptide chain into shapes like α-helices and β-pleated sheets, stabilized by hydrogen bonds.

Tertiary Structure

The overall three-dimensional shape of a protein, formed by interactions among R-groups of the amino acids.

Quaternary Structure

The structure formed by the assembly of multiple polypeptide chains into a single functional protein.

Denaturation

The process in which a protein loses its native structure due to the disruption of weak bonds, often leading to loss of function.

Ribonucleic Acid (RNA)

A nucleic acid that plays a role in the coding, decoding, regulation, and expression of genes; consists of a single strand of nucleotides.

Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA)

A double-stranded nucleic acid that contains the genetic information for the development and functioning of living organisms.

Nucleotide

The building blocks of nucleic acids, consisting of a phosphate group, a five-carbon sugar, and a nitrogenous base.

Phosphodiester Bond

A type of covalent bond that links nucleotides together in nucleic acids, formed between the phosphate group of one nucleotide and the hydroxyl group on the sugar of another.

Glycosidic Bond

A covalent bond that links monosaccharides together to form disaccharides, oligosaccharides, and polysaccharides.

Monosaccharide

The simplest form of carbohydrates, consisting of single sugar molecules like glucose and fructose.

Lipid

A group of hydrophobic organic molecules that include fats, oils, and phospholipids, serving various functions in cells including energy storage and membrane formation.

Amphipathic Lipid

Lipids that contain both hydrophobic and hydrophilic parts, which allow them to form structures like membranes.

Selective Permeability

The property of a cell membrane that allows certain molecules to pass through while blocking others.

Diffusion

The passive movement of molecules from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration.

Osmosis

The diffusion of water across a selectively permeable membrane.

Hydrophobic Interaction

The tendency of nonpolar substances to aggregate in aqueous solution, away from water.

Enzyme

A type of protein that acts as a catalyst in biochemical reactions, increasing the reaction rate without being consumed.

Chemical Evolution

The process by which simple chemical compounds gradually evolved into complex biomolecules, forming the basis for life.

Aldose

A type of monosaccharide that contains an aldehyde group.

Ketose

A type of monosaccharide that contains a ketone group.

Hydrogen Bond

A weak bond formed between a hydrogen atom and an electronegative atom, crucial for the secondary and tertiary structures of proteins and the stability of nucleic acids.