5 Biological Molecules and Structures

These flashcards cover key vocabulary relating to biological molecules and structures, including lipids, proteins, nucleic acids, and carbohydrates.

Lipids

Organic compounds that are insoluble in water and include fats, oils, waxes, phospholipids, and steroids.

Triglyceride

A lipid made of one glycerol molecule and three fatty acid chains, formed via a dehydration reaction.

Saturated Fatty Acids

Fatty acids that have all carbon atoms saturated with hydrogen, typically solid at room temperature.

Unsaturated Fatty Acids

Fatty acids that contain one or more double bonds in the hydrocarbon chain, usually liquid at room temperature.

Phospholipids

Lipids that contain a phosphate group, forming the core of cell membranes with polar heads and non-polar tails.

Steroids

A class of lipids characterized by a base structure of four fused carbon rings; includes cholesterol and hormones.

Proteins

Large biomolecules composed of amino acids that perform various functions, including catalysis, structural support, and transport.

Amino Acids

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

Peptide Bonds

Covalent bonds that link amino acids together in proteins, formed via dehydration reactions.

Denaturation

The process in which proteins lose their structure and functionality due to external stress such as heat or pH changes.

Nucleic Acids

Biomolecules that store and transmit genetic information, composed of nucleotide monomers.

Nucleotide

The monomer unit of nucleic acids, consisting of a 5-carbon sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base.

ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate)

A nucleotide that serves as the primary energy carrier in cells, composed of ribose, adenine, and three phosphate groups.

Carbohydrates

Biological macromolecules composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, serving as energy sources and structural components.

Glycerol

A three-carbon molecule that forms the backbone of triglycerides.

Fatty Acids

Long hydrocarbon chains that are key components of lipids.