Biomolecules: Proteins, Carbohydrates, and Lipids

These flashcards cover key concepts related to proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids, including their structures, functions, and examples.

What are proteins made from?

Proteins are made from one or more chains of amino acids.

What is the R group in amino acids?

The R group is a variable side chain that makes amino acids unique.

What are the key elements found in proteins?

The key elements in proteins are carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen (CHON).

What are dipeptides?

Dipeptides are two amino acids joined by a peptide bond.

What are polypeptides?

Polypeptides are chains of many amino acids joined by peptide bonds.

What are essential amino acids?

Essential amino acids cannot be made by the body and must be obtained from food.

How many essential amino acids are there?

There are nine essential amino acids out of a total of twenty.

What is the role of digestive enzymes?

Digestive enzymes break down food molecules in the digestive system for absorption.

Can you name some examples of digestive enzymes?

Examples of digestive enzymes include lipase, amylase, pepsin, and lactase.

What do hormones do in the body?

Hormones regulate various functions in the body by traveling in the blood to target organs.

What is an example of a hormone that controls blood glucose levels?

Insulin is an example of a hormone that helps regulate blood glucose levels.

What is the function of structural proteins?

Structural proteins build different structures in cells, such as the cytoskeleton.

Can you name examples of structural proteins?

Examples of structural proteins include actin, keratin, and tubulin.

What are storage proteins?

Storage proteins provide a source of food for developing embryos and seedlings.

What is an example of a storage protein?

Albumin, found in egg whites, is an example of a storage protein.

What do carbohydrates contain?

Carbohydrates contain the elements carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen (CHO).

What is the primary function of carbohydrates?

Carbohydrates serve to provide energy release and storage in the body.

What are monosaccharides?

Monosaccharides are simple sugars that are the basic building blocks of carbohydrates.

What is the most common monosaccharide?

Glucose is the most common monosaccharide.

What are isomers?

Isomers are compounds with the same molecular formula but different structural arrangements.

What are disaccharides?

Disaccharides are carbohydrates formed from two monosaccharides.

What does 'poly' mean in polysaccharides?

'Poly' means more than one.

What is dehydration synthesis?

Dehydration synthesis is a chemical reaction where molecules join by releasing water.

What defines lipids?

Lipids are macromolecules that are insoluble in water.

What are triglycerides composed of?

Triglycerides are composed of glycerol and three fatty acids.

What is a key function of triglycerides?

Triglycerides serve as a long-term store of energy.

What is the effect of high levels of LDL cholesterol?

High levels of LDL cholesterol can lead to fatty deposits in arteries, increasing heart disease risk.

What are waxes and their role in plants?

Waxes are long-chain hydrocarbons that prevent water loss in plant leaves.

What is the basic structure of steroids?

Steroids have a basic structure of four carbon atom rings.

What health concern is associated with high cholesterol?

High cholesterol increases the risk of heart disease and stroke.

What are some functions of steroids in the body?

Steroids are used to make hormones and neurotransmitters.