The Biomolecules of Life

Flashcards for reviewing biomolecules, covering atoms, bioelements, carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids.

Atom

The smallest particle of an element.

Bioelements

Elements that constitute more than 99% of the matter found in living things (C, O, H, N).

Biomolecules

Building blocks of living things; macromolecules made up of polymers.

Monomer

Repetitive units that form a larger compound, a polymer.

Polymer

A long-chain molecule made up of a repeated pattern of monomers.

Carbohydrates

Provide quick energy (e.g., glucose, starch).

Proteins

Build and repair body tissues; made of amino acids.

Lipids

Store long-term energy; include fats, oils, and hormones.

Nucleic Acids

Carry genetic information (DNA & RNA).

Carbohydrates

Sugars or substances that taste sweet; collectively called saccharides.

Monosaccharides

1 sugar unit, e.g. glucose, fructose, galactose

Oligosaccharides

2-10 sugar units, e.g. maltose, lactose, sucrose

Polysaccharides

More than 10 sugar units, e.g. starches, fibers, glycogen

Proteins

Polymers of amino acids, arranged in a chain called a polypeptide.

Proteins

Structural features of the body including hair, nails, and muscles; enzymes enable the cells to carry out chemical reactions fast.

Lipids

A wide variety of biomolecules including fats, oils, waxes and steroid hormones; hydrophobic.

Nucleic Acid

Main information-carrying molecules of the cell; direct the process of protein synthesis.

DNA

Deoxyribonucleic acid.

RNA

Ribonucleic acid.

Purines

Nitrogenous bases adenine and guanine.

Pyrimidines

Nitrogenous bases thymine, uracil, and cytosine.

Carbohydrates

Polymers are polysaccharides and disaccharides; monomers are monosaccharides (simple sugars).

Nucleic Acids

Polymers are DNA and RNA; monomers are nucleotides.

Proteins

Polymers are known as polypeptides; monomers are amino acids.

Lipids

Polymers are called diglycerides, triglycerides; monomers are fatty acids.