The Building Blocks of Cells: Molecules and Macromolecules (Ch2)

Vocabulary flashcards summarizing key concepts from the chapter about biological molecules and their macromolecular structures.

Macromolecules

Large molecules composed of smaller subunits called monomers; examples include carbohydrates, proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids.

Polymers

Large molecules formed by the repeated bonding of monomers through chemical reactions.

Monomers

Small, basic molecular units that can join together to form larger structures called polymers.

Functional groups

Specific groups of atoms within molecules that are responsible for the characteristic chemical reactions of those molecules.

Hydrophilic

Substances that are attracted to water and can dissolve in it; often polar.

Hydrophobic

Substances that repel water; often nonpolar.

Condensation reaction

A chemical reaction where two molecules combine to form a larger molecule, releasing water in the process.

Glycosidic bond

A type of covalent bond formed between two monosaccharides through a condensation reaction.

Peptide bond

A covalent bond that links two amino acids together, formed through a condensation reaction.

Phosphodiester bond

A covalent bond that links nucleotides together in a nucleic acid strand, formed through a condensation reaction.

Amino acids

Organic compounds that serve as the building blocks of proteins, each containing an amino group, a carboxyl group, and a unique side chain.

Nucleotides

The monomers that make up nucleic acids, consisting of a sugar, phosphate group, and nitrogenous base.

Carbohydrates

Biological molecules made up of sugar monomers; serve as energy sources and structural components.

Lipids

Biological molecules that are hydrophobic or amphipathic; include fats, oils, and phospholipids.

Isomers

Compounds that have the same molecular formula but different structures and properties.

Purines and pyrimidines

Two categories of nitrogenous bases found in nucleotides; purines are larger, while pyrimidines are smaller.

Covalent bond

A strong chemical bond formed by the sharing of electron pairs between atoms.

Amphipathic

Molecules that have both hydrophilic and hydrophobic properties, allowing them to interact with both water and lipids.