Biomolecules

These flashcards cover essential terms and definitions from lectures on biomolecules, focusing on biochemistry, amino acids, proteins, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids.

Biochemistry

The study of molecules and their reactions in living organisms.

Amino Acids

Organic compounds that serve as the building blocks of proteins.

Zwitterion

A neutral molecule that has both positive and negative charges, typically found in amino acids at physiological pH.

Hydrophobic

A property of molecules that repel water; typically nonpolar side chains of amino acids.

Hydrophilic

A property of molecules that are attracted to water; typically includes polar, acidic, and basic side chains.

Peptide Bond

A covalent bond formed between amino acids during protein synthesis.

Primary Structure

The sequence of amino acids in a polypeptide chain.

Secondary Structure

The 3D shape formed by hydrogen bonding within a polypeptide chain, leading to structures like alpha helices and beta sheets.

Tertiary Structure

The overall 3D shape of a single polypeptide chain, determined by interactions among side chains.

Quaternary Structure

The shape formed when two or more polypeptide chains assemble into a functional protein.

Gylcosidic Bond

The bond that forms between two monosaccharides in carbohydrates.

Polysaccharides

Large macromolecules formed from the linking of many monosaccharides.

Lipoproteins

Molecular complexes in blood plasma that transport lipids.

Nucleotides

The monomers that make up nucleic acids, consisting of a nitrogenous base, pentose sugar, and one or more phosphate groups.

Double Helix

The structure of DNA, characterized by two intertwined strands.

Transcription

The process of synthesizing RNA from a DNA template.

Translation

The process of synthesis of proteins from mRNA in a ribosome.