BIO 1110 - Chapter 3: The Molecules of Life

Organic Compounds

Carbon-based molecules that are essential for life.

Macromolecules

Polymers made up of smaller molecules (subunits/monomers) linked via covalent bonds.

Carbohydrates

Sugars and polymers of sugar composed of C, H, and O.

Monosaccharide

The monomer of carbohydrates; a simple sugar.

Disaccharide

Made from two monosaccharides, e.g., lactose and sucrose.

Polysaccharides

Complex carbohydrates made of long chains of monosaccharides.

Glycogen

Used by animal cells to store energy.

Cellulose

A polysaccharide that cannot be broken apart; provides dietary fiber.

Lipids

Diverse group of organic compounds that do not dissolve in water and are hydrophobic.

Hydrophobic

Substances that do not interact with water.

Hydrophilic

Substances that do dissolve in water.

Fats

Composed of a glycerol head and three fatty acid tails, providing cushioning, insulation, and long-term energy storage.

Steroids

Organic compounds that differ from fats in structure and function, e.g., cholesterol.

Phospholipids

Composed of a hydrophilic head and two hydrophobic fatty acid tails; main component of cell membranes.

Saturated Fatty Acids

Fatty acids with single bonds between carbons.

Unsaturated Fatty Acids

Fatty acids with one or more double bonds between carbons.

Proteins

Large molecules that account for more than 50% of the dry weight of most cells.

Amino Acids

Monomers of proteins; there are 20 different types, each with a unique side chain.

Peptide Bond

Covalent bond that links amino acids together.

Polypeptide

A long chain of amino acids connected together.

Denatured

Proteins that lose their shape and function due to unfavorable changes in the environment.

Nucleic Acids

Polymers that are essential for storing and transmitting genetic information.

Nucleotides

Monomers of nucleic acids.

DNA

A type of nucleic acid that contains the genetic blueprint for the organism.

RNA

A type of nucleic acid that plays a role in translating genetic information into proteins.

Complementary Base Pairing

A specific pairing mechanism in nucleic acids, where A pairs with T (or U in RNA) and G pairs with C.

Triglycerides

A type of lipid composed of one glycerol molecule and three fatty acids; major form of stored energy in animals.

Phospholipid Bilayer

The arrangement of phospholipids in cell membranes, with hydrophilic heads facing outward and hydrophobic tails facing inward.

Enzymes

Proteins that act as catalysts to speed up biochemical reactions without being consumed.

Structure of Amino Acids

Consist of a central carbon, an amino group, a carboxyl group, and a variable side chain (R group).

Denaturation

Process by which proteins lose their native shape and function due to heat, pH changes, or chemical exposure.

Cholesterol

A type of steroid that is essential for maintaining cell membrane structure and function.

Energy Storage

Lipids such as fats and oils provide a dense form of energy storage for organisms.

Catalysis

The process in which enzymes accelerate reactions by lowering the activation energy required