Biomolecules: Structure and Function

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering the four major classes of biomolecules, their monomers, structures, and biological functions based on the lecture.

Biomolecules

Large molecules needed for life, also known as macromolecules, consisting of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.

Monomer

A building block; the individual parts that make up a large substance.

Monosaccharide

The monomer or building block of a carbohydrate, with glucose being a primary example.

Glucose

A monosaccharide sugar used in cellular respiration to make ATP, which serves as an energy currency.

Disaccharide

A carbohydrate formed by combining two monosaccharides, such as maltose which is made of two glucose sugars.

Polysaccharide

A large carbohydrate formed when many monosaccharides are joined together.

Cellulose

A large carbohydrate polysaccharide that forms the cell walls of plants.

Chitin

A carbohydrate that makes up the cell walls of fungi and the exoskeleton of insects.

Starch

A polysaccharide carbohydrate used for energy storage in plants.

Glycogen

A polysaccharide carbohydrate used for energy storage in animals.

Lipids

A diverse class of biomolecules including fats, oils, triglycerides, phospholipids, and steroids that provide long-term energy storage, insulation, and membrane structure.

Hydrophobic

A characteristic meaning water-fearing; lipids generally share this trait and do not dissolve in water.

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Myelin Sheath

A structure made of lipids found on many neurons that provides electrical insulation to help carry impulses.

Amino Acid

The monomer or building block of a protein.

Protein Channels

Proteins embedded in the cell membrane that allow certain substances to pass through.

Enzymes

Molecules mostly composed of proteins that build up or break down substances during metabolic processes.

Antibodies

Proteins produced by immune cells that are involved in defending and protecting the body.

Nucleic Acids

A class of biomolecules, including DNA and RNA, that direct cell activities and store genetic information needed to code for traits.

Nucleotide

The monomer or building block of a nucleic acid.

CHO, CHO, CHON, CHONP

A mnemonic used to remember the major elements composing carbohydrates (C, H, O), lipids (C, H, O), proteins (C, H, O, N), and nucleic acids (C, H, O, N, P).