Biological Macromolecules and Fundamentals

Flashcards covering key biological concepts, including differences between DNA and RNA sugars, types of macromolecules (polysaccharides, lipids, proteins), their structures, functions, and constituent units.

DNA Sugar

Deoxyribose

RNA Sugar

Ribose

Polysaccharides

Complex carbohydrates like starch, glycogen, cellulose, glucosamine, and galactosamine.

Lipids

Hydrophobic molecules that do not dissolve in water.

Saturated Lipids

Lipids that have all possible hydrogens and typically lack double bonds.

Unsaturated Lipids

Lipids that may contain double bonds.

Ester Linkages

Covalent bonds that connect glycerol to fatty acids in triglycerides.

Triglycerides

Lipids formed by ester linkages of glycerol to fatty acids, primarily used for energy storage.

Phospholipids

Amphipathic molecules with both hydrophilic and hydrophobic parts, crucial for forming cell membranes.

Lipid Bilayers

Cellular barriers formed by phospholipids that are impermeable to many molecules, including water, charged ions, and large molecules.

Ketones

Molecules produced from the breakdown of fats.

DNA

A nucleic acid that carries genetic information.

RNA

A nucleic acid primarily involved in protein synthesis.

Proteins

Polymers of amino acids, where their specific sequence determines their structure and function.

Amino Acids

The basic building blocks of proteins, each featuring a nitrogen (amino) end and a carboxyl (carbon) end; 20 types exist in humans, categorized as essential or nonessential.

Peptide Bonds

Covalent bonds that link amino acids together to form proteins.

Glycine

A simple amino acid.

Cysteine

A sulfur-containing amino acid known for forming sulfur bridges.

Protein Structure Bonds

The various bonds that hold proteins together, including sulfur bridges (from cysteine residues), hydrogen bonds, and ionic interactions.

Nucleotide

The basic unit of nucleic acids, composed of a phosphate group, a sugar, and a nitrogenous base.