Review of Cell and Molecular Biology Topics

These flashcards cover key concepts related to cells, macromolecules, and proteins, derived from recent lecture notes.

Cells

The fundamental unit of life, coming in various shapes and sizes.

Small Molecules

Building blocks of macromolecules, including sugars, fatty acids, nucleic acids, and amino acids.

Macromolecules

Large molecules composed of subunits, including fats, polysaccharides, nucleic acids, and proteins.

Proteins

Biological macromolecules composed of amino acids linked by peptide bonds, responsible for diverse functions in the cell.

Prokaryotic Cells

Cells that lack a cell nucleus; includes bacteria and archaea.

Eukaryotic Cells

Cells that contain a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles; includes plant, animal, and fungal cells.

Fatty Acids

Building blocks of lipids with hydrophobic and hydrophilic components; can be saturated or unsaturated.

Monosaccharides

Simple sugars that serve as the basic building blocks of carbohydrates, typically represented by the formula (CH2O)n.

Nucleotides

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

Peptide Bonds

Covalent bonds that link amino acids together in a protein chain.

Antibodies

Proteins that bind tightly to specific antigens, crucial for the immune response.

Energy Input

Necessary for the synthesis of macromolecules due to energetically unfavorable reactions.

Hydrophobic Forces

Forces that help stabilize protein folding by promoting interactions between nonpolar side chains.

Nomenclature

The system of naming in biology to provide clarity in abbreviations for nucleotides, amino acids, and proteins.