Chapter 3

Saturated Fatty Acids

fatty acids that have only single bonds and max hydrogens.

Unsaturated Fatty Acids

fatty acids that contain one or more carbon-to-carbon double bonds.

Phospholipids

Amphipathic molecules with a polar phosphate head and two nonpolar fatty acid tails, forming the basis of biological membranes.

Steroids

Lipids characterized by a core structure of four fused carbon rings, including molecules like cholesterol, estrogen, and testosterone.

Protein Denaturation

The process where a protein loses its three-dimensional shape and function due to changes in pH, temperature, or other environmental factors.

Nucleotide Components

The three parts of a _____ monomer: a phosphate group, a pentose (five-carbon) sugar, and a nitrogen-containing base.

DNA Bases

contains Adenine, Guanine, Cytosine, and Thymine.

RNA Bases

contains Adenine, Guanine, Cytosine, and Uracil.

Amino Acids

The 20 different monomers of proteins, each containing an amino group, carboxyl group, hydrogen, and a unique R-group (side chain).

Peptide Bond

The covalent bond formed between two amino acids through a dehydration reaction.

Protein Primary Structure

The specific linear sequence and ordering of amino acids in a polypeptide chain.

Glycosidic Bond

The specific covalent bond that links two sugar units together to form a disaccharide.

Polysaccharides

Long polymers of hundreds to thousands of monosaccharides, such as starch (plant energy storage) and glycogen (animal energy storage).

Triglycerides

Fats composed of one glycerol molecule and three fatty acids linked by ester bonds, used for energy storage and insulation.

Functional Groups

Specific groups of atoms within molecules that provide characteristic chemical features and properties, such as being polar, nonpolar, acidic, or basic.

Monomers; Polymers

____ are smaller molecules that serve as building blocks, while ____ are large macromolecules formed by linking monomers together via covalent bonds.

Macromolecules

Large molecules essential to all living organisms, belonging to four main categories: carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.

Carbon Bonding Capacity

Carbon is unique because it has 4 valence electrons and can form four covalent bonds with other atoms, allowing for a vast array of organic compounds.

Dehydration Reaction

A chemical reaction used to synthesize polymers where two molecules combine, resulting in the loss of a water molecule (H2O).

Hydrolysis Reaction

A reaction that breaks down polymers into individual monomers by the addition of a water molecule (H₂O).

Carbohydrates General Formula

Organic molecules with the general formula Cn (H2O)n, serving as a primary energy source for most living organisms.

Central Dogma of Biology

The flow of genetic information within a cell, typically represented as: DNA → RNA → Protein.