Biological Molecules and Cells

Flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to biological molecules and cellular structures.

Dehydration synthesis

A chemical reaction that removes water to bond two molecules together.

Hydrolysis

A chemical reaction that adds water to break bonds between molecules.

Functional groups

Atoms or clusters of atoms bonded to a carbon backbone that influence the chemical behavior of molecules.

Polysaccharides

Carbohydrates that consist of multiple sugar monomers, used for energy storage and structural support.

Amino acids

Building blocks of proteins, consisting of an amino group, a carboxyl group, and a variable side chain.

Nucleotides

Monomers that make up nucleic acids, consisting of a phosphate group, a sugar, and a nitrogenous base.

Primary structure of a protein

The unique sequence of amino acids in a polypeptide chain.

Secondary structure of a protein

Localized folding of a polypeptide chain into coils or sheets, stabilized by hydrogen bonds.

Tertiary structure of a protein

The overall 3D shape of a protein formed by interactions among side chains.

Quaternary structure of a protein

The structure formed when two or more polypeptide chains associate.