Introduction to Biological Macromolecules and Nucleic Acids

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards generated from the introductory lecture covering macromolecule structures, nucleic acids, lipids, carbohydrate metabolism, and associated biochemical terms.

Learning Outcomes

The 13 specific standards assessed on Unit 1 exams that students must demonstrate mastery of.

Learning Objectives

Tools and specific steps for instructors and students that indicate how deep and broad knowledge must be to achieve proficiency in learning outcomes.

Hemoglobin

A protein possessing a quaternary structure that functions to carry oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood.

Sickle Cell Anemia

A condition caused by a mutation in the HBB gene that replaces a standard amino acid with hydrophobic valine, creating a hydrophobic pocket that causes red blood cells to stick together in a sickle shape; provides an evolutionary adaptation against malaria.

Central Dogma

The framework describing how DNA stores genetic information and RNA transfers it to build proteins.

Polymer

A molecular structure consisting of a chain of multiple repeating subunits called monomers.

Nucleotide

The monomer of nucleic acids, consisting of a nitrogenous base, a ribose sugar backbone, and a phosphate group.

Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP)

A nucleotide molecule that serves as an energy carrier rather than storing or transferring genetic information.

Complementary Base Pairs

Pairs formed when a single-ring nitrogenous base pairs up with a double-ring nitrogenous base via hydrogen bonds.

Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA)

A double-stranded nucleic acid polymer storing genetic information found in nuclear chromosomes and the mitochondrial matrix.

Phosphodiester Bond

A covalent bond that connects the phosphate group of one nucleotide monomer to the sugar portion of another nucleotide.

Messenger RNA (mRNA)

A single-stranded type of RNA that serves as recipes for building proteins.

Ribosomal RNA (rRNA)

The functional type of RNA that makes up the structure of a ribosome to build proteins.

Transfer RNA (tRNA)

A type of RNA responsible for retrieving amino acids during protein construction.

Lipids

A structurally and functionally diverse group of hydrophobic, nonpolar biomolecules that are not true polymers; major classes can be recalled using the mnemonic PETS (Phospholipids, Eicosanoids, Triglycerides, Steroids).

Amphipathic

Describing a molecule that possesses both a polar (hydrophilic) region and a nonpolar (hydrophobic) region.

Phospholipid Bilayer

A two-layered membrane arrangement where hydrophobic fatty acid tails face inward toward each other and polar phosphate heads face outward toward aqueous intracellular and extracellular fluids.

Triglycerides

The most common lipid type in the body, composed of a glycerol head and three free fatty acids, stored in fat droplets within adipose tissue.

Saturated Fat

A fat possessing straight fatty acid chains without double bonds, allowing it to pack into organized solids like butter at room temperature.

Unsaturated Fat

A fat containing double bonds that produce kinks in its fatty acid chains, preventing tight stacking and keeping it liquid at room temperature.

Hydrolysis

A catabolic, exergonic reaction that uses water molecules to cleavage chemical bonds.

Eicosanoids

Hairpin-shaped lipid molecules with fatty acid chains that act as local signaling molecules in innate immunity, inflammatory responses, and nervous system communication.

Prostaglandins

A major class of eicosanoids released by the uterus during the menstrual cycle that induce widespread tissue tenderness.

Steroids

Diverse nonpolar lipids structured around a hydrocarbon skeleton of four joined rings—three hexagons and one pentagon—with varying functional groups.

Steroidogenesis

The multi-step enzymatic pathway that modifies cholesterol into various androgenic and steroid hormones.

Cholesterol

A multi-ring steroid lipid that serves as a major structural component of animal plasma membranes and a precursor to sex hormones, bile salts, and corticoids.

Monosaccharide

A single sugar monomer, such as glucose, fructose, or galactose, whose chemical name commonly ends in the suffix '-ose'.

Disaccharide

A carbohydrate dimer composed of two monosaccharide units connected by an oxygen atom, which must be enzymatically broken down before cellular absorption.

Glycogen

A large, highly branched polysaccharide polymer made of glucose monomers, functioning as the primary carbohydrate storage molecule in the liver and skeletal muscle.

Glycogenolysis

The catabolic process of cleaving stored glycogen into individual glucose monomers to release energy when blood sugar is needed.

Glycogenesis

The anabolic process catalyzed by the enzyme glycogen synthase that builds glycogen polymers from excess glucose.

Glycoproteins

Molecules consisting of membrane-bound proteins attached to carbohydrate chains that project externally, serving key roles in cellular recognition.

Proteoglycans

Structural molecules composed of membrane proteins with extended carbohydrate chains, forming a key component of the extracellular matrix in connective tissue.

Lipoproteins

Complexes composed of proteins and phospholipids produced by the liver to transport nonpolar lipids like triglycerides through the aqueous environment of the bloodstream.