Monomers and Polymers, Proteins, and Cells

This set of flashcards serves to reinforce key vocabulary and concepts related to monomers, polymers, proteins, and cellular structures as discussed in the lecture notes.

Monomers

The repetitive subunits that make up polymers.

Polymers

Large macromolecules made of many monomers linked together.

Polymerization

The process of joining monomers to form a polymer.

Dehydration synthesis

A reaction where monomers are joined by removing water.

Hydrolysis

The process of breaking down polymers into monomers by adding water.

Amino acids

Organic molecules that serve as the building blocks of proteins.

Peptide bond

The bond formed between two amino acids during protein synthesis.

Primary structure

The linear sequence of amino acids in a protein.

Secondary structure

The coiled or folded shape of a protein maintained by hydrogen bonds.

Tertiary structure

The three-dimensional shape of a protein formed by interactions among R groups.

Quaternary structure

The structure formed by the association of two or more polypeptide chains.

Denaturation

A process in which a protein loses its native structure and function.

Enzyme

A protein that acts as a catalyst in biochemical reactions.

Ligand

A molecule that binds to another (usually larger) molecule.

Glycoproteins

Proteins that have carbohydrates attached and play roles in cell recognition.

Amphipathic

Molecules containing both hydrophilic and hydrophobic parts.

Covalent bond

A strong bond formed by the sharing of electrons between atoms.

Hydrophilic

Having an affinity for water; capable of interacting with water.

Hydrophobic

Repelling water; not able to interact with water.

Functions of proteins

Include structure, communication, transport, catalysis, recognition, protection, movement, and cell adhesion.